Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Lakers Solve Backup Center Problem with Familiar Face

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Jordan Pagkalinawan | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 7:40 PM ET

The Lakers are bringing back one of their own in free agency, re-signing center Jaxson Hayes to a one-year, $3 million deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Lakers Solve Backup Center Problem with Familiar Face

Hayes Returns to Former Role for Lakers

A 25-year-old 7-footer, Hayes shifted between backup and starter for the Lakers last year, only promoting him after the Anthony Davis–Luka Doncic trade. Though he averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds this season, Hayes looked promising as a lob threat next to Doncic, elevating his game next to the superstar point guard. Hayes couldn’t replicate that newfound success in the playoffs, however, as he was ultimately played off the floor during the Lakers’ first-round loss to the Timberwolves.

During a 16-game stretch around the time of the Luka-AD deal, Hayes was terrifc. Lakers went 14-2 and he averaged 8.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. Struggled after a knee injury and obviously, the playoffs were the playoffs. But with him and Deandre Ayton, Lakers have two… https://t.co/UBorOTETe4

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 3, 2025

During his exit interview, the sixth-year center said he grew in several ways over the course of the season, adding, “On the defensive end, stepping up and showing that I can compete at that high level and not just be a backup for a team. I feel like I showed I can be out there playing more. Obviously there’s still a ton of things that I need to work on, but I felt pretty good throughout the season.”

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

Despite returning to a backup role, Hayes gets to showcase that growth once more, this time supplementing another athletic big in Deandre Ayton. While some expected the Lakers to go after Al Horford or trade for Nick Richards, the team will stick to their personnel and give Hayes another chance.

Hayes’ re-signing also fills the 15th spot on the Lakers’ guaranteed roster, according to insider Jovan Buha. One of the final decisions on the table (barring a trade) is whether or not to guarantee Shake Milton’s $3 million contract; the deadline for that is July 20.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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