The Los Angeles Lakers are bringing back center Jaxson Hayes on a one-year deal, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN.
While financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, it is widely expected to be a minimum-salary contract.
Hayes, 25, initially signed a two-year minimum deal with the Lakers in the summer of 2023. Since joining the team, he has played in 126 games, primarily in a backup role.
Over that span, he averaged 5.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 15.6 minutes per game, shooting an efficient 72.1% from the field.
His role expanded significantly in the second half of the 2024–25 season following Anthony Davis’ abdominal injury and the blockbuster trade that sent Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.
With the frontcourt depth depleted, Hayes stepped in as the starting center for the final 32 games of the regular season.
In that stretch, his production improved to 8.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game over 21.9 minutes, showcasing increased reliability in a larger role.
Although he began the postseason as the Lakers’ starting center, Hayes struggled in their first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
His minutes quickly diminished, and he was eventually removed from the starting five by Game 5.
Despite those struggles, the Lakers still view Hayes as a dependable backup, now expected to serve behind newly acquired Deandre Ayton, who is projected to take over as the team’s primary big man.
Hayes was originally selected 8th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans but never fully cemented himself as a long-term starter there.
His size, athleticism, and rim-finishing ability have continued to make him a valuable depth option around the league.
With Hayes returning, the Lakers now tentatively project to have 15 players under contract for the upcoming season—though some roster flexibility remains.
As noted by Jovan Buha of The Athletic, second-round pick Adou Thiero (No. 36 overall) is expected to receive a standard contract, though that has not yet been confirmed.
Additionally, Shake Milton’s $3 million salary for next season is non-guaranteed, and Jordan Goodwin’s deal is also non-guaranteed despite his meaningful rotation minutes late last year.
Hayes’ return adds another piece to what is becoming a deeper and more well-rounded frontcourt rotation for the Lakers, who are clearly prioritizing rim protection and physical presence inside after last year’s struggles with consistency at the center position.
Lakers, Jaxson Hayes Agree To One-Year Deal https://t.co/HDmFPgmsE9 pic.twitter.com/WBJARcDvzW
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 3, 2025
