Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James Gives Big Shoutout to 1 Unsung Hero for Stepping Up After Anthony Davis' Departure 1 Mar 16, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) and Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) reach for the ball in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers: Jaxson Hayes Was Reportedly Unhappy With Role Last 2024-25 Season, Per Insider

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated May 29, 2025 8:48 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers could lose one of their few centers on the roster, as Jaxson Hayes could reportedly leave the team ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

According to ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin, Hayes was unhappy to see his minutes decrease significantly during the playoffs after seizing the starting center role in the regular season after the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade.

“In terms of returning talent, sources say there is an outside chance of Jaxson Hayes returning, but he wasn’t thrilled about his role disappearing in the postseason and the money he lost as his minutes dwindled,” Irwin detailed.

Nov 10, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) is fouled by Toronto Raptors forward Bruno Fernando (24) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

“From the Lakers perspective, they’re weighing Redick losing faith in him, how he might handle them bringing in his replacement or the inevitable demotion he’d be in line for this summer,” he added.

Los Angeles Lakers projected to draft Ivica Zubac-like center in the 2025 NBA Draft

The Los Angeles Lakers only have the 55th overall pick in this summer’s NBA Draft, and according to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the team could consider selecting Vladislav Goldin from Michigan.

NBA Insider Reveals Discouraging Update Regarding Lakers Big Man: Apr 28, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka looks on prior to game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

“Vlad Goldin enters the pre-draft process as a 7-foot big man who proved to be one of the better rim protectors in the NCAA this past season. He is also a really solid finisher around the rim who projects to fit the mold of a player like Ivica Zubac in the NBA,” Siegel said in his column.

“Zubac, a player the Lakers originally drafted before trading to the Clippers, recently emerged as one of the best two-way centers in the league this season. Next to Luka Doncic and LeBron James, Los Angeles would be wise to add some key frontcourt depth with Goldin,” he added.