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4h ago

Jaxson Hayes Re-signs with Lakers as Deandre Ayton’s Backup Center

He will provide frontcourt depth behind new starter Deandre Ayton after shifting from a midseason starting role to reduced minutes.

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Mar 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images/File photo
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Center Jaxson Hayes, shown grabbing a rebound during a victory over the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena last season, will return to the team next season on a one-year contract. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images). NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Overview

  • Hayes re-signed with Los Angeles on a one-year contract for the 2025–26 season.
  • He originally joined the Lakers in 2023 on a two-year, $4.6 million deal.
  • Following Anthony Davis’s trade, he started 24 games at center, averaging 9.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.
  • His minutes fell to 17 per game in the final eight regular-season contests, when he averaged 4.6 points and five rebounds.
  • He saw further reduction in the first-round playoff loss, including a DNP-CD in Game 5, and said he respected coaching decisions while noting defensive growth and areas for improvement.