JJ Redick took one La Lakers star in the playoffs, but his return has not been ruled out by one NBA insider.
The Los Angeles Lakers will have to find a new center this offseason. The lack of a proper rim conservation center was obvious to everyone in the NBA playoffs.
After Anthony Davis’ deal, Jackson Hayes became the Lakers’ only reliable option in the center position. While he was doing decent work during the regular season, his performance fell into the playoffs.
Hayes struggled for the Lakers in center position against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Things got so bad that even Rudy Gobert, who wasn’t a strong offensive player, could easily control him.
JJ Reddick ultimately benched Hayes in the playoffs. It is clear that he has lost faith in him, despite Austin defending Hayes and saying that it wasn’t entirely his fault.
All signs point to Hayes, who despite bird rights, is set to become an unlimited free agent without returning to the Lakers next season. However, one NBA insider says the door is not closed with a potential return.
John Hollinger of Athletic has created a piece about how NBA free agents operate this year. As for Jaxson Hayes, Hollinger believes there is still a chance he might return to La Lakers.
He acknowledges the Lakers are looking for more skilled options, but the lack of a strong market for Hayes’ bird rights and second string centers could lead to Hayes working together in Purple and Gold next season.
“The Lakers will probably try to do better here. Hayes will probably try to find a place where he is more highly regarded, but I don’t know if they should eliminate the reunion.
“Whether LA’s Early Bird’s rights to Hayes and limited money in the marketplace of supplementary centres like him, these two may find that continuing an unpleasant marriage is better than a substitute.”
The Lakers relied on Jaxson Hayes as the starting center after landing Luka Doncic, as Anthony Davis couldn’t close the gap at the center spot.
Donsic is excellent at promoting big men, and that’s exactly what he did for Hayes. Looking at Hayes’ numbers from last season before and after Donsic’s arrival, it shows that he has become a reliable player for the Lakers.
| statistics | Before Luka Doncic (2024-25) | After Luka Doncic (2024-25) |
| point | 5.5 | 8.1 |
| rebound | 4.3 | 5.3 |
| assist | 0.9 | 1.1 |
| I’ll steal | 0.5 | 0.6 |
| block | 1.0 | 0.9 |
| Field goal rate | 64.3% | 75.6% |
He can do work that serves as a rotation piece from the bench, not at the level of becoming an NBA starting center, particularly on the championship team.
Hayes is upset by the Lakers’ strict treatment and feels they lack playoff minutes.
However, by signing the team to a minimum of one year, he will be able to get a season and become a strong contributor as a bench option for a competitive team, earning a better contract next year.