Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ early exit from the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the team is now reconsidering the future of center Jaxson Hayes. Hayes, who was acquired as a promising asset after the trade of superstar Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, saw his role significantly reduced during the postseason, leading to concerns within the Lakers’ organization. His limited minutes and lack of involvement in crucial playoff games have raised questions about his fit with the team moving forward.
Hayes, who was brought in to provide depth and a potential long-term solution at center, was expected to contribute more after the trade of Davis, one of the Lakers’ key players. However, during the playoffs, Hayes was relegated to a bench role, seeing only sporadic minutes, which has fueled speculation about his future with the team. Insider reports suggest that Hayes was dissatisfied with his limited playing time and his lack of a prominent role in the postseason rotation. This dissatisfaction may lead to the Lakers parting ways with the center before the start of the next season.
The Lakers’ early playoff exit has led to a reevaluation of their roster and strategies for the upcoming seasons. Despite a promising regular-season performance, the team fell short in the postseason, and the organization is now looking to make adjustments to improve its championship prospects. Hayes’ reduced role in the playoffs has become a focal point of the team’s evaluation process, as the Lakers assess how best to structure their roster to compete at the highest level.
Hayes, who has shown flashes of potential in his early NBA career, could still have value for other teams. His physical tools and athleticism make him an intriguing option, but the Lakers’ coaching staff clearly did not see him as a primary contributor during their playoff run. This could lead to a trade or even a buyout situation, depending on how the Lakers choose to proceed.
The team’s front office is reportedly weighing its options carefully, as the Lakers look to refine their lineup and improve their chances for a deeper playoff run next year. With a number of key decisions to make in the offseason, including the future of several veteran players, the Lakers are keen to address areas of weakness and improve their overall team chemistry. The potential departure of Hayes is just one of many factors that the team is considering as they look to adjust their roster for another championship push.
For Jaxson Hayes, the offseason could present a crucial moment in his career. While his time with the Lakers may be uncertain, the 24-year-old center could find new opportunities with a team that offers a more significant role, or he could work on improving his game to earn more minutes on a future contender.
For now, the Lakers’ front office is focused on making tough decisions in the wake of their disappointing playoff performance, with Hayes’ future in Los Angeles hanging in the balance. As the team looks ahead to the next season, how they address the center position and other key areas will be critical in their efforts to return to title contention.