The Los Angeles Lakers are continuing to reshape their frontcourt. After landing Deandre Ayton to fill the starting center role, the Lakers have reportedly agreed to terms with another key piece in the paint ahead of the new NBA season.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, free agent center Jaxson Hayes has agreed to return to the Lakers on a one-year deal. “Free agent center Jaxson Hayes has agreed on a one-year deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Hayes’ agents, Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison of WME Basketball, finalized a contract with Lakers president Rob Pelinka on Thursday,” Charania reported via X (formerly Twitter).
Hayes, 25, served as the Lakers’ starting center last season after Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster deal for Luka Doncic. In 56 games, Hayes averaged 6.8 points on a career-high 72.2% shooting, along with 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist per contest.
However, his future with the Lakers appeared uncertain after head coach JJ Redick opted to limit his minutes during the playoffs. Despite being a regular starter in the regular season, Hayes saw minimal action in the first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves and did not play at all in Game 5. That decision drew heavy criticism, as Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert dominated the paint with little resistance.
Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
There had been speculation that the Lakers were pursuing Celtics veteran Al Horford, but Hayes’ return could signal that Los Angeles is no longer targeting the five-time All-Star. That could leave the Golden State Warriors as frontrunners for Horford’s services.
see also
NBA Rumors: Lakers reportedly want to help LeBron James by adding a key weapon from the Heat
The Lakers are clearly focused on constructing a more competitive roster after a disappointing end to their 2024–25 campaign. Following the departure of Davis, securing depth at the center position was a top priority—and with Ayton and now Hayes in place, the Lakers appear to have addressed that need.
Los Angeles also lost Dorian Finney–Smith, who is reportedly finalizing a deal with the Houston Rockets. That departure opened up an opportunity for the Lakers to pursue Jake LaRavia from the Sacramento Kings. Additionally, the Lakers continue to explore a trade for Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, though Miami’s steep asking price remains a hurdle.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha recently reported the Heat’s demands. “I’ve reported/shared what I’ve heard, which is that [Miami has] been asking for the first [pick] and Dalton [Knecht], which I think is overpay for Wiggins. I think they also want Rui [Hachimura] too because they want to remain competitive,” Buha shared on his YouTube channel.
