LOS ANGELES — The Lakers continue to bolster their frontcourt, bringing back center Jaxson Hayes on a one-year deal after reports of agreeing to terms on Thursday, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
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. pic.twitter.com/fZOeqVyo9u
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2025
Los Angeles adds another piece to their front line after entering the free agency negotiation period with zero centers on the roster. Hayes, who has spent the last two seasons with the Lakers, is now set to be in the backup role behind new addition Deandre Ayton.
Hayes, 24, started 35 games last season, playing in 56 total, where he averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting a career-high 72.2% from the field.
The six-year pro complemented Luka Dončić from the jump of his arrival, being a reliable lob threat in the starting unit. But Hayes saw his minutes decline in the playoffs, with head coach JJ Redick gradually phasing him out for a smaller ball lineup before L.A.’s first-round exit to the Timberwolves in April.