The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to sign Jaxson Hayes to a long-term contract extension due to his connection with Luka Doncic. General Manager Rob Pelinka has a huge offseason coming up to figure out his next moves to make the Lakers a true title contender in the upper echelon of the NBA. Hayes is one of the unrestricted free agents this summer and could get a sweet contract to return on.
Lake Show Life reported the following about how the team views Hayes:
“The Los Angeles Lakers have the perfect big man to pair with Luka Doncic on their roster. Jaxson Hayes has been fantastic and keeps getting better. The Lakers look smart for the rescinded Mark Williams trade and not panicking. Hayes is making that faith pay off, and fans will have to stay tuned to see what’s next from the 25-year-old big man.”
The Lakers have been able to give Hayes more minutes to share center time with DeAndre Ayton. Inconsistent play from Ayton has allowed Hayes to get more playing time and show his overall impact. Hayes especially works well with Doncic and is the kind of athletic center that thrives playing alongside a superstar guard running the offense.
Offseason Plans With Luka Helping Hayes More
Another interesting thing working in Hayes’ favor is his close relationship with Luka off the court. Hayes reportedly plans to get a passport with Slovenia and hopes to play for the national team with Doncic in the offseason.
Lake Show Life shared more about this working in Hayes’ advantage to make his extension a priority:
“Hayes is originally from Oklahoma, and given the talent on the Team USA, he was unlikely to ever get a chance to compete at the Olympic level, making this an incredible opportunity. From a bigger picture perspective, Hayes getting his Slovenian passport to team up with Luka may have just secured his Lakers future.”
Doncic is the most important name in the Lakers plans to contend for an NBA Championship. Pelinka is expected to target players that fit perfectly with Luka and Austin Reaves. Hayes developing chemistry with Doncic on and off the court makes him a near lock to return to the franchise.
How This Impacts DeAndre Ayton’s Future
Ayton is still the starting center in Los Angeles, and the team requires him or another center on the roster with Hayes. The current first-round series against the Houston Rockets sees Ayton playing 30 minutes per game and Hayes getting 18.
Hayes returning to the team will still see the need for another starter to at least split the minutes. Ayton has a player option next season for $8 million that will determine his immediate short-term future with the franchise.
The Lakers will likely keep this duo if Ayton returns on the cheap contract since they must spend at other positions. However, Ayton opting out could see the team looking for other center options via a trade or free agency. Trusting Hayes with more than 20 minutes per game would be expecting too much out of him
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