Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport
With a possible departure this summer, the Lakers will have one or even two pivots to recruit in the coming months. But while a decision seemed a foregone conclusion behind the scenes, one player was keen to set the record straight before his free agent status.
Given this campaign and the difficulties in the racket, particularly in defending the circle, it’s clear that the Lakers need pivots for this summer. Naz Reid, Daniel Gafford and Nic Claxton are among the targets for the Californian organization, although Rob Pelinka could also use the draft to find his happiness on the market.
The problem is that the Purple and Gold may have to find several pivots on the market over the summer. Their rotation is in jeopardy, and the only viable player this season could jump ship in Jaxson Hayes. Completely snubbed during the playoffs, it’s not certain that the former Pelicans star is keen to return to Los Angeles.
A comeback still possible for the Lakers?
As a reminder, Hayes hardly played in the series against the Wolves. He started 4 out of 5 games, but never played more than 10 minutes, before being completely benched and removed from the starting 5 for the final game. Knowing that he’ll be a free agent this summer, this isn’t the best decision for JJ Redick to make to boost his confidence.
Hayes was also under minimum contract and for a player still young, there’s bound to be a desire to put himself on the map to earn a bit more money. But while everyone expects a departure, the player refuted this version by replying to a fan on Instagram. He didn’t confirm his return, but he didn’t close the door either.
Fan: “Jaxson Hayes, I heard you didn’t want to be a member of the Lakers anymore and I blame you.”
Hayes: “That’s not true man, I never said that”.
Hayes could open the door to a return for another season, but his role will also change. A starter in this campaign, Hayes is unlikely to be a starter next season as the front office looks for a new post 5 to partner Luka Doncic. Between a poor contract, a diminishing role and criticism, it would be surprising to see the player back in Los Angeles. But he may not have a choice.