Jaxson Hayes is unlikely to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season after losing his role in the playoffs, as the team explores options for a new starting center.
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes is not expected to return to the team next season, according to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints. Hayes was reportedly unhappy with his role late in the season, especially as his minutes dwindled during the playoffs.
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"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 reported.
From the team's perspective, the LA Lakers are weighing whether head coach JJ Redick has lost confidence in Hayes, how Hayes might respond to the team bringing in his replacement, or whether he'd accept an inevitable demotion this summer.
Hayes, 25, struggled in the Lakers' first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He averaged just 7.8 minutes and 1.8 points per game during the series, finishing with a -17 plus/minus. With Hayes ineffective, the Lakers were forced to rely on small-ball lineups for 90% of the series.
During the regular season, Hayes had stepped into a starting role following Anthony Davis' trade to the Dallas Mavericks. Over 56 games (35 starts), he averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in his sixth NBA season.
Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix
Given their limited size in the playoffs, the Lakers are going to pursue a new starting center during the offseason.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton and Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford are the top names linked to LA.
"The two most common names that I've already talked about, and others have reported as well, are Nic Claxton and Daniel Gafford," Buha said on his podcast. "Those are the two best centers that are expected to potentially be available."
Other possible targets include Brook Lopez, Clint Capela, and Steven Adams.
With limited cap space, the Lakers are expected to explore trades this summer to bring in a more reliable presence in the paint.
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