The Los Angeles Lakers' early offseason continues following a disappointing first-round playoff exit. Ever since the unfortunate elimination, Lakers fans have spent the last few weeks predicting how the upcoming summer months will unfold. LeBron James and Luka Doncic need a better supporting cast to bring a title back to L.A., meaning a roster shake-up could be looming.
If general manager Rob Pelinka wants to upgrade head coach JJ Redick's lineup, several veterans will likely be sent packing this offseason. While Lakers fans might miss a name or two, the fanbase definitely won't be sad to see one underperforming big man leave.
Lakers Fans Won't Miss Jaxon Hayes in 2025 and Beyond
The Lakers will see a trio of players become unrestricted free agents this summer, including Jaxson Hayes. The 24-year-old center had the perfect opportunity to secure a starting job when Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks; however, Hayes' inability to do so will likely result in an offseason exit.
After the pre-deadline blockbuster, Hayes went on to start in all of his last 30 regular-season appearances. He averaged 8.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and a 74.8% field-goal percentage along the way, but his performance trailed off with each passing game, leaving him as an afterthought once the playoffs arrived.
Hayes went from averaging 21.8 minutes per outing post-Davis trade in the regular season to 7.5 minutes per game in four playoff appearances. Unsurprisingly, the former Texas Longhorn failed to make the most of his limited playing time, shooting only 3-of-8 (37.5%) from the floor with a minus-17 plus/minus rating in the first-round loss. Nothing about that performance warrants a re-signing.
If the Lakers want a legitimate rebounder and lob threat to play alongside Doncic and James, Hayes (and fellow failed center experiment Alex Len) can't be brought back this offseason. Whether it's through the draft, free agency, or the trade market, Los Angeles can't afford to roll the dice on Hayes again after he made it abundantly clear that he's more of a problem than a solution to the frontcourt woes.
At the end of the day, it's clear that both sides could use a fresh start following the disappointing playoff elimination. The Lakers' path to finding a new starting center, as well as the next stop on Hayes' journey, will be clearer before NBA free agency begins on Sunday, July 6.