Coming off their second straight first-round playoff exit this spring, the Los Angeles Lakers needed to make some changes this offseason. While some may argue their biggest splash could come in a contract extension for Luka Doncic, the sense of urgency is there now after LeBron James exercised his player option to return and promptly expressed his concern over the roster.
The Lakers have made some moves to try and appease James ahead of his 23rd season, but they haven’t been of the blockbuster variety. In some ways, general manager Rob Pelinka has tried to keep the core of a team that went 22-13 after acquiring Doncic together, and it even led to one returning player to make a big concession ahead of next season.
Jaxson Hayes Waived His No Trade Clause to Return to the Lakers
According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, Lakers center Jaxson Hayes waived his implicit no-trade clause before signing a one-year deal to return to Los Angeles. The move sets up Hayes for his third season with the team but also opens him up to be a potential trade piece ahead of next year’s trade deadline.
Jaxson Hayes waived his implicit no-trade clause to re-sign with the Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2025
The decision comes off a solid 2024-25 campaign. Hayes averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 72.2% from the floor and 62.2% on free throws last season. He made 35 starts while Anthony Davis battled injuries and was ultimately shipped to Dallas in the Doncic trade.
It would be foolish for Hayes to take a leap entering his age-25 season, and it’s probably why the Lakers upgraded their frontcourt with the signings of center Deandre Ayton and forward Jake LaRavia. While this points to the kind of depth Los Angeles didn’t have toward the end of last season, it could also be a step toward building the roster for when James ultimately leaves.
This year’s NBA deadline represented a flurry of moves. While there isn’t likely to be a star of Doncic’s caliber available, having Hayes as a trade chip could sweeten a deal for a player that can help in the short term or fulfill Pelinka’s long-term vision to build the roster around Doncic.
It’s a decision that Hayes made knowing he may not finish the season in Los Angeles. But it’s one that gives the Lakers plenty of flexibility moving forward.