Despite JJ Redick icing one LA Lakers star during the playoffs, his return isn’t being ruled out by one NBA insider.
The Los Angeles Lakers have to find a new center this offseason. The lack of a proper rim-protecting center was evident for all to see in the NBA playoffs.
After the Anthony Davis trade, Jaxson Hayes became the Lakers’ only reliable option at the center position. While he did a decent job during the regular season, his performances dipped in the playoffs.
Hayes struggled for the Lakers at the center position against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Things got so bad that even Rudy Gobert, who isn’t a strong offensive player, was able to dominate against him with ease.
JJ Redick would eventually bench Hayes in the playoffs. It’s clear he lost faith in him, even though Austin Reaves defended Hayes and said it wasn’t entirely his fault.
All signs are pointing to Hayes, set to become an unrestricted free agent, not returning to the Lakers next season despite the Bird rights. But one NBA insider says the door isn’t shut on a potential return.
John Hollinger of The Athletic did a piece on how NBA free agents will fare this year. When it comes to Jaxson Hayes, Hollinger believes there is still a chance he returns to the LA Lakers.
While he admits that the Lakers will look for more adept options, Hayes’ Bird rights along with the lack of a potent market for second-string centers could lead to Hayes suiting up in purple and gold next season.
“The Lakers likely will try to do better here, and Hayes will likely try to find a place where he’s more appreciated, but I’m not sure we should rule out a reunion.
“Between L.A.’s early Bird rights on Hayes and the limited money on the market for supplemental centers like him, these two may find that continuing their uncomfortable marriage remains better than the alternative.”
Without Anthony Davis available to plug the gap at the center spot, the Lakers relied on Jaxson Hayes as their starting center after landing Luka Doncic.
Doncic is excellent at elevating big men, and that’s exactly what he did for Hayes. A look at Hayes’ numbers from last season before and after Doncic’s arrival show that he became a reliable player for the Lakers.
| Stats | Before Luka Doncic (2024-25) | After Luka Doncic (2024-25) |
| Points | 5.5 | 8.1 |
| Rebounds | 4.3 | 5.3 |
| Assists | 0.9 | 1.1 |
| Steals | 0.5 | 0.6 |
| Blocks | 1.0 | 0.9 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 64.3% | 75.6% |
While he isn’t at the level to be a starting center in the NBA, especially on a championship team, he can do a serviceable job as a rotation piece off the bench.
Hayes is upset over the Lakers’ harsh treatment, feeling that his lack of minutes in the playoffs cost him money in free agency.
But by signing a one-year minimum with the team, he gets a season to show that he can be a strong contributor as a bench option for a competitive team, thus earning himself a better contract next year.
