Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Report: Lakers Could Lose Starter to Free Agency

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Jordan Pagkalinawan | Last updated May 28, 2025 2:07 PM ET

While the Lakers hope to retain multiple key pieces this summer, rumors suggest they could lose a piece of their starting frontcourt when free agency opens July 6.

Report: Lakers Could Lose Starter to Free Agency

Jaxson Hayes Could be on the Move

According to a Wednesday article by ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin, the Lakers’ active pursuit for a starting center means they could lose the one they already have.

“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. 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.”

In 56 games (35 starts) for the Lakers, Jaxson Hayes averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, one assist and 0.9 blocks per game on 72% shooting from the field. Since becoming the team’s starting big next to Luka Doncic, he put up a modest 8.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks while shooting 75.6% from the field. While he turned a corner upon Doncic’s arrival, Hayes notoriously struggled in the Lakers’ first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He started four of the team’s five games but became an afterthought by the time they were on the brink of elimination.

Hayes played out the final season of a two-year deal, earning $2.4 million on a player option he accepted last June. While he’s provided several highlights in his time as a Laker, the end results and the team’s trajectory prove it’s best for both sides to part ways this summer.

What Pelinka and Redick are Looking For

In terms of replacements for the 25-year-old, sources told Irwin that Rob Pelinka has worked the phones this offseason, searching for a lob threat to complement LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves while also eyeing a bruising floor-spacer at the request of head coach JJ Redick.

“…sources say Redick has expressed interest in a big body who can also space the floor for his five-out system and sets. Sources have also indicated that Redick is open to tailoring his system to his next roster’s strengths, though, so it’ll be interesting to see what that balance looks like.

In terms of free agency, belief is whoever the Lakers sign will complement whatever type of center they trade for. So, if they trade for a lob threat, look for them to sign more of a floor-spacer or bruising center using either the taxpayer midlevel exception or veteran minimum salaries, and vice versa.”

The Lakers’ list of targets mentioned ad nauseam remains unchanged (Nic Claxton, Daniel Gafford, etc.), according to Irwin. Recent reports from other outlets suggest they could also make a run at Onyeka Okongwu or Jakob Poeltl via trade.

And as for in-house talent, Irwin noted that two-way centers Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison were well-liked within the organization and could be in line for standard and two-way deals, respectively, either with LA or elsewhere. While it appears neither of them could fill a backup role for the Lakers right now, re-signing one or both of them would certainly boost the team’s center depth as they search for ideal complements next to James, Doncic and Reaves.

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

More must-reads: