- The Los Angeles Lakers continue to build out their roster with strategic moves this offseason, and one of their latest involves bringing back a familiar face. Center Jaxson Hayes has agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million to remain in the purple and gold for the 2025-2026 NBA season. The move, though under the radar compared to some of the Lakers’ splashier transactions, reinforces their commitment to athleticism, depth, and frontcourt versatility.
Hayes first joined the Lakers in the 2023 offseason after spending his first four NBA seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. Known for his high-flying dunks, rim protection, and vertical spacing, the 7-foot big man was initially brought in to give the Lakers a spark of energy off the bench and to back up Anthony Davis in the frontcourt. Though his minutes were limited during the 2024-25 campaign, Hayes showed flashes of the athletic potential that made him the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
In re-signing Hayes to a $3 million deal, the Lakers are investing in a low-risk, high-upside player who fits well within their system. At just 25 years old, Hayes still has room to grow, both in terms of skill development and consistency. Under head coach Darvin Ham and the veteran leadership of stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić, Hayes will have another opportunity to carve out a meaningful role in one of the league’s most high-profile rotations.
What makes Hayes especially valuable is his unique combination of speed, size, and bounce. He thrives in pick-and-roll situations, often finishing lobs with authority and running the floor in transition better than most centers his size. Defensively, he has the potential to be disruptive around the rim, thanks to his shot-blocking instincts and length.
From a roster-building standpoint, Hayes’ return adds insurance behind Deandre Ayton, who was recently signed by the Lakers on a two-year, $16.6 million deal. With Ayton likely to carry the bulk of the load as the starting center, Hayes can contribute as a change-of-pace big — one who brings hustle, rim-running, and high-effort plays, especially in second-unit matchups.
The Lakers now find themselves with increased depth in the frontcourt, something they sorely lacked in prior seasons. Hayes’ re-signing also reflects general manager Rob Pelinka’s clear intent to create a roster that is not only talented but also adaptable — capable of playing fast, switching defensively, and protecting the rim when Davis is resting.
Though not the headline-grabbing signing of the offseason, retaining Jaxson Hayes on a modest deal is another example of the Lakers making smart, calculated moves to bolster their depth. In a league where versatility and athleticism are at a premium, having a young, springy center like Hayes could prove crucial over the course of an 82-game season and into the playoffs.
Lakers Nation will be watching closely to see if this is the year Hayes takes the next step in his development. If he does, this $3 million deal could end up being one of the offseason’s best bargains.
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