There have been plenty of frustrating experiences during Jaxson Hayes's time with the Los Angeles Lakers. There was enough for the franchise to consider looking elsewhere in the 2025 offseason. Instead, Rob Pelinka gave him another shot, and the results, so far, have been remarkably steady.
Hayes left a rough final impression before 2025 free agency on the Lakers. The high-flying center was played off the court in the first-round series loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Foul trouble plagued Hayes and JJ Redick quickly appeared to lose trust in his starting big man.
In spite of those results, Pelinka inked Hayes to a one-year deal.