Rotation rotated: Los Angeles Lakers make key roster change
Jaxson Hayes has been brought back for another year in the frontcourt rotation, where DeAndre Ayton is set to be the jewel in the crown.
The Los Angeles Lakers have begun to shape their frontcourt rotation, though more moves could still be on the horizon.
The team struggled late last season after trading Anthony Davis to acquire Luka Doncic - a move that left a glaring hole in the paint. Doncic had requested a rim-running big man who could also anchor the defense, but the only option L.A. managed to bring in was Alex Len, a move that proved disastrous. The Ukrainian center had little impact for the Lakers, who were bounced in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Stopgap Hayes brought back
In Davis’s absence, it was a player already on the Lakers’ roster - Jaxson Hayes - who provided a stop-gap solution as starting center. Hayes has been rewarded for his efforts with a new contract, according to ESPN, though financial details remain undisclosed. His expected salary is around the league minimum of $2.8m. Hayes was thrust into a difficult role and performed adequately as a temporary solution - but he was no more than that. Next term, he’ll revert to a backup role.
Ayton set to be starting center
Deandre Ayton is now set to be the centerpiece of the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation. With Rui Hachimura’s future uncertain - his contract could be moved - the other starting frontcourt spot remains up for grabs. Jarred Vanderbilt is a strong candidate, thanks to the coaching staff’s trust in his defensive versatility, which would also help ease the burden on veteran LeBron James.
There’s also optimism surrounding German forward Maxi Kleber, who barely saw action last season due to a lingering injury from his time in Dallas. His chemistry with Doncic and ability to stretch the floor make him a valuable asset who can rotate between the four and five spots. Kleber is now fully recovered and ready to contribute.
General manager Rob Pelinka still has work to do to round out the roster. But with Ayton and Hayes locked into clearly defined roles - Ayton as the primary big and Hayes as a high-energy backup - the Lakers’ frontcourt is starting to take shape. It’s a small adjustment, but one that brings much-needed clarity.
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