Without pause and in a hurry. The Los Angeles Lakers continue their frenetic activity in the offices and on the first day of free agency they secure their fourth signing, Jaxson Hayes. The news has been first announced by Adrian Wojnarowski, from ESPN.
The agreement is for two years without the economic conditions having been disclosed so far, but it is known that the second year is optional for the player.
Hayes, a 7-foot-1 center, arrives as a free agent after having played for the New Orleans Pelicans his entire career. Hayes was selected 8th overall in the 2019 Draft and in his first four seasons with the Pelicans he has played a total of 241 games with an average of 16.8 minutes.
Hayes’ role in the Lakers is supposed to be similar to what JaVale McGee has played in the past. Athletic center with the ability to block shots, participate in fast breaks, finish pick-and-rolls with dunks or shots very close to the rim and give Anthony Davis minutes of rest.
Hayes’ averages during the 2022-23 campaign have been 5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.4 steals and 0.4 blocks in 13 minutes per game, the lowest number since he turned professional.
Hayes is the fourth contracting of the Lakers in the NBA 2023 market after the additions of Taurean Prince, Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish in addition to the renewal of Rui Hachimura.
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
