Lakers NEXT MOVE after Signing Jaxson Hayes is Coming and it’s SO OBVIOUS! | Why Lakers are NOT Done

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a notable move in NBA free agency, re-signing center Jaxson Hayes to a one-year deal as they continue to reshape their frontcourt for the 2025-26 season. This decision arrives just days after the franchise landed Deandre Ayton, signaling a clear commitment to fortifying their interior presence and maintaining roster flexibility as they chase another deep playoff run.

Hayes, 25, returns to Los Angeles after a season that saw him step into the starting lineup following the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas and brought Luka Dončić to the Lakers. In 56 games last year, Hayes averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting an impressive 72.2% from the field, ranking among the league’s most efficient finishers around the rim. His athleticism and ability as a lob threat were on full display, especially in March, when he averaged nearly 10 points per game and shot close to 80% from the floor.

Despite his regular-season surge, Hayes struggled to make an impact in the postseason, seeing his minutes dwindle during the Lakers’ first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He started the first four games of the series but never logged more than 10 minutes per contest and did not play at all in Game 5. This led to skepticism among some Lakers fans, many of whom questioned the wisdom of bringing him back for another campaign. Social media reactions ranged from disappointment to outright frustration, with some fans hoping for a more proven backup center.

However, the Lakers’ front office appears to view Hayes as a valuable reserve rather than a starter. With Ayton now penciled in as the starting center, Hayes is expected to fill the backup role, providing energy, rim protection, and vertical spacing off the bench. His familiarity with the system, and with key teammates like LeBron James and Austin Reaves, adds continuity to a roster that has undergone significant changes in recent years.

The Lakers’ roster now features 15 players under contract, but the team still has some flexibility, sitting roughly $3.3 million below the first luxury tax apron. This opens the door for additional moves, including the possibility of waiving Shake Milton, whose contract is non-guaranteed, to free up space for another signing. The front office could use its bi-annual exception to target another center, a defensive-minded guard such as De’Anthony Melton, or a versatile 3-and-D wing to round out the rotation.

The backup center spot remains a focal point. Beyond Hayes, the Lakers have Trey Jemison on a two-way deal, Christian Koloko as a potential restricted two-way signee, and Maxi Kleber, who is trusted for his ability to stretch the floor from the five spot. The competition for minutes behind Ayton will be closely watched as training camp approaches.

Hayes’ return also highlights the influence of agency connections in today’s NBA. He shares representation with both Ayton and Dončić under Bill Duffy, a factor that may have smoothed negotiations and reinforced the Lakers’ commitment to building a cohesive, well-represented core.

Ultimately, the Lakers’ decision to re-sign Hayes is less about making a splash and more about solidifying depth at a critical position. While he may not be the high-profile addition some fans crave, his athleticism, rim-running, and defensive upside make him a sensible fit as a backup. The front office’s next moves—whether adding another big, a guard, or a wing—will determine just how ready this revamped Lakers squad is to contend in a loaded Western Conference.

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