The Los Angeles Lakers aimed to secure a new starting center at the trade deadline. They traded Anthony Davis to the Mavericks for Luka Dončić, hoping to reshape their roster. Initially, they pursued Mark Williams, but he failed his physical, forcing the Lakers to rescind the trade. As a result, Jaxson Hayes became the Lakers starting center for the remainder of the season.
Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes Plans Must Involve Atlanta Hawks Big
Hayes was seen as a weak link, but he has proven his critics wrong. He has played some of the best basketball of his career, solidifying the Lakers as a title contender. His impressive play could draw interest from other teams, making him a potential free-agent target.
Jaxson Hayes’ Impact on the Lakers and Free Agency Outlook
The Lakers want to retain Hayes as a backup but will prioritize upgrading their starting center. Injuries have hindered Hayes throughout his career, but his recent performances have boosted his value. If he continues playing well post-injury, he could secure a significant contract.
This season, Hayes is averaging 6.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Since the All-Star break, many of the Lakers’ best five-man lineups feature Hayes, indicating his strong impact on the team.
Potential Free-Agent Targets: Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr.
Reports suggest LeBron James could decline his player option. He could sign another one-year max deal with a player option to keep his year-to-year flexibility as he moves into his 40s. If James opts into the deal or re-signs at similar money, the Lakers would dip about $1 million into the luxury tax and have their $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception. A discount would grant the Lakers access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, allowing them to address their biggest need—size. This flexibility, courtesy of James, could give the Lakers extra breathing space below the second apron and open up possibilities.
The Atlanta Hawks have two unrestricted free-agent centers: Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. Both are playoff-tested and could provide cost-effective solutions for the Lakers.
Capela is a strong lob threat and a solid rim protector—an ideal fit next to Dončić. He averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game on 56.4% true shooting. He is an elite offensive rebounder (3.2 per game) and has a strong defensive presence.
Nance, on the other hand, has developed a reliable shooting stroke. In a limited sample of 24 games this season, he shot 44.7% from three on 3.2 attempts per game. As he ages, his shooting continues to improve—he hit 41.5% from deep on 1.1 attempts in the 2023-24 season.
Balancing Cost and Roster Depth
The Lakers must retain Hayes while adding another reliable big. They can offer Hayes a maximum first-year salary of $12.07 million using early Bird rights, with a deal spanning 2-4 years. This structure allows them to allocate part or all of their $14.1 million mid-level exception to acquiring another center.
This strategy mirrors the Mavericks’ cost-effective center rotation during their 2024 Finals run. By securing Hayes and one of Capela or Nance, the Lakers can optimize their frontcourt and maximize their championship window.
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