Sources: Lakers to bring back Jaxson Hayes on one-year deal

Free agent center Jaxson Hayes has agreed on a one-year deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told ESPN.

Hayes’ agents, Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison of WME Basketball, finalized a contract with Lakers president Rob Pelinka on Thursday — one day after the franchise reached a two-year deal with free agent center Deandre Ayton.

Hayes emerged as the Lakers starting center last season and shot a career high 72.2% from the field and finished top-10 in field goal percentage allowed as contesting defender on layups and dunks among players to contest 250 or more shots. He averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 56 games.

Hayes started the first four games of the Lakers’ 4-1 playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, but, never logged more than 10 minutes in any game of the series and did not play in Game 5.

Now, he will back up Ayton.

Source: espn.com