Lakers News: LA Signs Former Lottery Pick Big Man Jaxson Hayes to 2-Year Deal
The Los Angeles Lakers have found their big man everyone! It is still very early into the second day of 2023 free agency but it appears that the purple and gold's front office have been burning the midnight oil as Jaxson Hayes has agreed to a two-year deal with them.
Hayes was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the number eight pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and he was viewed as one of the most athletic forwards/centers in his class coming out of Texas. However, his opportunities within the squad became more rare as his time went on there and in his most recent season with them last year, he only appeared in 47 games and averaged about five points and three rebounds in 13 minutes per game.
However, he will be getting a fresh start in LA on a two-year deal with a player option for the second year.
Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to report the news!
"Free agent center Jaxson Hayes has agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN."
And it was a very busy first day of free agency for the Lakers as they shocked the world by stealing Gabe Vincent from the Miami Heat, made the necessary move by bringing back Rui Hachimura, welcomed a veteran in Taurean Prince and finally got one of their biggest targets in Cam Reddish.
However, all of these of these moves were great but it was very clear that LA still needed another big man on their roster. Anthony Davis can't do everything by himself down there and seeing that Hayes is just under 7 feet with a 7'3 wingspan, you have to be very excited about what he'll be able to do on this squad.
He will be able to protect the rim and block shots along with AD and he is a legitimate lob threat for any of the Lakers' guards. His athleticism for his size is off the charts and he's had some of the best poster dunks in recent history. Hayes' best season with the Pelicans came in his 2021-2022 campaign and averaged nine points on 61% from the field to go with about five rebounds.
Rob Pelinka is taking care of business folks.
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