Jaxson Hayes signed a two-year, \$4,628,946 contract with the Lakers in 2023, with annual salaries of \$2,165,000 and \$2,463,946, respectively, and will be a free agent after 2024-25.
Jaxson Hayes, a 6-foot-9 center known for his athleticism and shot-blocking ability, signed a two-year, $4,628,946 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023. The deal was considered a strategic move by the Lakers, adding a promising big man to their roster to bolster their frontcourt depth. With his two-year contract, Hayes had the opportunity to contribute to the Lakers’ playoff aspirations while also setting himself up for a future free-agent deal, either with Los Angeles or another team.
This contract is not just about the present, though; it represents an important crossroads in Hayes’ career. The deal, which is fully guaranteed, provides a solid financial foundation for the young player, while also serving as a springboard for his potential future in the NBA. In this analysis, we will dive into the details of Hayes’ contract, his impact on the Lakers, and his prospects moving forward as he enters the 2024-25 season, with an eye toward free agency.
The Basics of Jaxson Hayes’ Contract
Jaxson Hayes signed a two-year contract with the Lakers for a total of $4,628,946, which breaks down into two distinct salaries. For the 2023-24 season, Hayes will earn $2,165,000, which is approximately 1.59% of the team’s cap. This relatively modest figure reflects the Lakers’ decision to sign Hayes to a short-term deal, likely with the intention of evaluating his fit on the roster and his ability to contribute. The second year of the contract is worth $2,463,946, which is about 1.75% of the team’s cap, an increase of approximately $300,000 over the first year. This bump in salary is the result of Hayes exercising his player option for the second year, a choice that allowed him to lock in a modest pay raise while maintaining control over his future.
The contract is 100% guaranteed, meaning that Hayes will earn the full amount regardless of how much or little he plays in the upcoming seasons. This is important because it shows that the Lakers have shown faith in Hayes’ potential. Despite being signed for just two years, the Lakers’ investment in him signals their belief that he can contribute in a meaningful way and possibly become a key rotational player in the near future. The financial structure of the deal, which provides a modest increase in salary in the second year, is a clear indicator that both Hayes and the Lakers expect him to continue developing into a more impactful player.
Jaxson Hayes’ Role on the Los Angeles Lakers
Jaxson Hayes joined the Los Angeles Lakers with the expectation that he would contribute to the team’s frontcourt depth. The Lakers have long been known for their physicality and size, and Hayes, with his impressive athleticism and shot-blocking ability, seemed to be a natural fit. His role on the Lakers would be to provide energy off the bench, protect the rim, and offer a solid defensive presence when called upon.
During his first season with the Lakers (2023-24), Hayes’ role would largely be defined by his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. In the modern NBA, where versatility is key, Hayes’ size and athleticism make him a potent rim protector. His ability to guard the paint and his rebounding skills could prove to be valuable assets for a Lakers team that often relies on defense and physicality to win games. Hayes’ offensive game, particularly his finishing around the rim, also complements the Lakers’ style of play, which often emphasizes ball movement and high-percentage shots in the paint.
However, the true measure of Hayes’ value to the Lakers will depend on his ability to fit into the system and contribute when the team needs him most. The Lakers, with stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, have high expectations, and Hayes will need to prove that he can provide meaningful minutes without being a liability on either end of the floor. While Hayes may not be a primary offensive option, his defensive presence and ability to impact the game in short bursts will likely be what defines his value to the team. Additionally, with a crowded frontcourt that includes Davis and a mix of veteran and young players, Hayes will need to earn his minutes through consistent performance.
The Player Option and Future Outlook
One of the key components of Hayes’ contract is the player option for the second year. Player options provide flexibility for the player, as they can decide whether to exercise the option or test the free-agent market. In Hayes’ case, exercising his player option for the 2024-25 season was a decision that allowed him to secure a slight raise in his salary while keeping his future options open.
By exercising his player option, Hayes is signaling confidence in his ability to continue improving and earn a more significant contract in the near future. This decision also highlights his belief that his time with the Lakers could lead to further opportunities. Should Hayes perform well during the 2023-24 season, he could be in line for a more lucrative contract either with the Lakers or with another team in the 2025 offseason. Alternatively, if Hayes struggles to make an impact, the Lakers could look to explore other options, and Hayes may find himself back on the free-agent market.
The 2024-25 season represents an important year for Hayes. It is not just about the Lakers’ success; it is about Hayes’ personal growth and his ability to secure a future contract that better reflects his talent and contributions. If Hayes proves himself as a valuable asset for the Lakers during the 2023-24 season, he could find himself in a stronger position to negotiate a more substantial contract in the 2025 offseason, whether it’s with Los Angeles or another team that sees his potential.
Impact on the Lakers’ Cap Space and Roster Building
Jaxson Hayes’ contract has implications for the Lakers’ cap space and their overall roster-building strategy. At just over $2 million for each of the next two seasons, Hayes’ deal is relatively modest by NBA standards, especially for a player with his potential. The Lakers, known for their financial flexibility, have used deals like Hayes’ to stay under the luxury tax threshold while also adding talent to their roster.
For the Lakers, Hayes represents an efficient use of cap space, as his contract is low-risk but offers high potential for reward. The team has been building a roster capable of competing for championships, and adding players like Hayes at a reasonable price point is a key part of their strategy. With stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis taking up a significant portion of the salary cap, it’s important for the Lakers to find value players who can contribute without breaking the bank. Hayes’ contract fits that mold perfectly, and it allows the Lakers to allocate their resources toward other areas of need.
Moreover, Hayes’ contract gives the Lakers flexibility moving forward. If he performs well and earns a larger role on the team, the Lakers could look to retain him with a new contract that offers a higher salary. If he does not meet expectations, the Lakers could allow Hayes to become a free agent and pursue other options in 2025. The flexibility of the deal, paired with Hayes’ potential, makes this a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Lakers.
The Importance of Jaxson Hayes’ Performance in 2023-24
While much of the attention on the Lakers will be focused on their superstar players, Jaxson Hayes’ performance during the 2023-24 season will be a critical factor in the team’s success. Hayes may not be the focal point of the offense, but his ability to impact the game in multiple ways will be crucial to the Lakers’ playoff aspirations.
First and foremost, Hayes’ ability to protect the rim and serve as an anchor for the defense will be paramount. The Lakers have long been known for their defense, and Hayes’ shot-blocking and rebounding ability will give them a valuable presence in the paint. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, Hayes needs to be able to contribute defensively and provide the Lakers with a strong interior presence when Davis is not on the floor.
Offensively, Hayes will need to continue developing his game around the basket. He has shown flashes of being an effective finisher, and if he can become more consistent with his scoring, especially in pick-and-roll situations, he could become a valuable piece in the Lakers’ rotation. His ability to provide energy and hustle plays could make him a fan favorite and a key contributor in tight playoff games.
Ultimately, Jaxson Hayes’ contract with the Lakers serves as both a test and an opportunity. It is a chance for Hayes to prove his worth and secure a bigger role in the NBA while contributing to one of the league’s most storied franchises. For the Lakers, it’s an opportunity to add depth to their frontcourt and take a calculated risk on a young player who could blossom into a crucial part of their team moving forward. As the 2023-24 season progresses, all eyes will be on Hayes to see if he can take advantage of this opportunity and deliver on his potential. The coming season could shape not only his career but also the future of the Los Angeles Lakers.
