Jaxson Hayes’ brief stint with the Los Angeles Lakers appears to be nearing its end, as reports indicate the big man is unlikely to return for the 2025–26 season.
According to Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, Hayes was reportedly unhappy with his reduced role down the stretch of the season, especially during the playoffs, where his minutes vanished entirely in crucial games.
That frustration, coupled with financial implications due to his dwindling court time, makes his departure from L.A. all but certain.
Hayes, who signed with the Lakers last offseason, played in 56 regular season games and averaged a respectable 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 72.2% from the field. In 19.5 minutes per game, he offered solid lob-finishing ability, vertical spacing, and mobility on defense.
However, those contributions all but evaporated in the postseason. Hayes saw his playing time slashed to just 7.8 minutes per game and averaged a mere 1.8 points and 2.0 rebounds, shooting only 37.5%. He did not play at all in the team’s decisive Game 5 loss to Minnesota and logged just four minutes in Game 4.
For Hayes, the writing was on the wall. His reduction in minutes was a byproduct of Lakers head coach JJ Redick’s lack of trust in him in high-leverage situations. Redick, known for favoring a five-out offense and positional versatility, seemed to lose faith in Hayes as the season progressed.
With the Lakers reportedly prioritizing bigs in both free agency and the trade market this offseason, Hayes’ role was only going to diminish further.
Lakers President Rob Pelinka is already aggressively working the phones. Multiple reports suggest L.A. is targeting a variety of centers, with names like Nic Claxton and Daniel Gafford in the mix.
The failed Mark Williams trade looms large as a missed opportunity, and the Lakers are determined not to make the same mistake again. Sources say the front office recognizes that they cannot rely on a single rim-running big to complement Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
They need multiple options, with varying skill sets, spacing, rim protection, physicality to match the diverse needs of their evolving system.
The Lakers are also making moves through the draft. With the No. 55 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, they are projected to select Russian center Vladislav Goldin, a strong, traditional big man with high upside and physical tools that could fit well in JJ Redick’s evolving system. Goldin’s shot-blocking and rebounding instincts offer immediate value, and his international experience suggests he can develop quickly.
In terms of trade speculation, Los Angeles is at the center of multiple major rumors. A proposed deal could bring Jarrett Allen from the Cleveland Cavaliers to L.A. as the Cavs look to trim salary and rebalance their roster.
Another rumor suggests the Lakers may target Knicks center Mitchell Robinson in a fair-value deal involving Jarred Vanderbilt and future draft picks. A massive three-team trade scenario involving the Lakers, Grizzlies, and Heat even proposes sending Ja Morant to Miami while the Lakers receive a super-talented center and a proven wing.
While Hayes may still draw interest from teams in need of an athletic big man, his inability to maintain consistent impact through a full season and into the playoffs may raise red flags. Nonetheless, a fresh start may be exactly what he needs, especially after the disappointment of being sidelined when it mattered most.
Ultimately, both sides seem ready to move on. Hayes wants a bigger role and consistent minutes. The Lakers want dependable frontcourt depth that fits Redick’s vision. And as the Lakers prepare for a pivotal summer in the Luka era, Jaxson Hayes is almost certain to be a roster casualty in their pursuit of championship-level upgrades.
