Quick Bytes
- Jaxson Hayes opts in for the 2024-25 season with the Lakers.
- Hayes and Christian Wood to continue as centers behind Anthony Davis.
- Lakers may still seek center position upgrades through trades or free agency.
Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes Commits to 2024-25 Season
Jaxson Hayes, after a solid end to the 2023-24 season, has chosen to exercise his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2024-25 season.
Hayes, a young talent at 24 and a former lottery pick, showed potential with averages of 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds over 70 games. His per-36-minute stats suggest a more impactful contribution, and his recent experience learning from teammate Anthony Davis has been valuable. Shams Charania of The Athletic reports Hayes’s decision to return to the Lakers for $2.46 million, reuniting with new coach JJ Redick.
Christian Wood, another center for the Lakers, has also picked up his option for the next season, maintaining the team’s depth at the center position. Despite this, the Lakers are reportedly looking to bolster their center lineup to better compete against top-tier players in the league. Both Hayes and Wood, now secured on minimum contracts, could potentially be included in trade deals to improve the team’s roster.
Reflecting on his first season with the Lakers, Hayes acknowledged initial struggles but felt he grew into his role as the season progressed. The Lakers’ strategy moving forward could involve leveraging their current assets to enhance their competitiveness in the challenging NBA landscape.
