### Lakers Reinforce Frontcourt by Re-signing Jaxson Hayes Amid Free Agency Moves The Los Angeles Lakers have made significant moves in the 2025 NBA free agency, notably re-signing center Jaxson Hayes to a one-year contract. This decision comes shortly after the Lakers secured free agent Deandre Ayton, indicating a strategic shift in their frontcourt dynamics. Hayes, who previously served as a starter for the Lakers, will now transition to a backup role behind Ayton, aiming to bolster the team's depth at the center position. Despite some fan frustration regarding his defensive capabilities, the Lakers are banking on Hayes' potential to contribute effectively in a supporting role next season [https://www.reuters.com/sports/reports-lakers-re-sign-c-jaxson-hayes-one-year-2025-07-04][https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-free-agency-lakers-to-re-sign-center-jaxson-hayes-on-one-year-deal-per-report]. ### Breakdown of the Lakers' Center Strategy 1. **Re-signing Jaxson Hayes**: - The Lakers have agreed to a one-year deal with Hayes, who averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds last season while shooting 72.2% from the field [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/lakers_re_sign_jaxson_hayes/s1_17038_42412006]. 2. **Acquisition of Deandre Ayton**: - The Lakers also signed Deandre Ayton, a former No. 1 overall pick, to a multiyear deal, positioning him as the starting center [https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nba/los-angeles-lakers/news/lakers-solve-center-issue-key-1-year-deal/b1be665825ccc0d00fd1c553]. 3. **Fan Reactions**: - Despite the Lakers' strategic moves, some fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the team's rim protection capabilities, particularly with Hayes' re-signing [https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-worst-rim-protecting-duos-league-lakers-fans-voice-frustration-jaxsom-hayes-re-signs-la-backup-center]. 4. **Hayes' Performance and Role**: - Hayes had a mixed performance last season, starting in many games after Anthony Davis was traded but struggled in the playoffs, leading to his benching [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/lakers_solve_backup_center_problem_with_familiar_face/s1_17201_42412085]. ### Supporting Data on Jaxson Hayes' Performance - **Regular Season Stats**: - **Games Played**: 56 - **Points per Game**: 6.8 - **Rebounds per Game**: 4.8 - **Field Goal Percentage**: 72.2% - **Playoff Performance**: - Struggled significantly, leading to reduced minutes and ultimately being benched during critical playoff games [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/lakers_surprisingly_bring_back_once_unhappy_player/s1_127_42412166]. ### Conclusion: Lakers' Center Strategy Moving Forward In summary, the Los Angeles Lakers are strategically enhancing their center position by re-signing Jaxson Hayes while also bringing in Deandre Ayton as the starting center. This dual approach aims to address both immediate needs and long-term goals for the team. 1. **Re-signing Hayes** provides depth and familiarity, despite mixed fan reactions regarding his defensive skills. 2. **Ayton's addition** is expected to solidify the starting role, potentially improving the team's overall performance. 3. **Fan concerns** about rim protection highlight the ongoing challenges the Lakers face in building a competitive roster. The Lakers' decisions reflect a calculated effort to balance experience and talent as they prepare for the upcoming season [https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2025-07-03/lakers-agree-to-terms-to-bring-back-jaxson-hayes][https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-jaxson-hayes-return-la-1-year-contract].