Jaxson Hayes hypes up Lakers return with JJ Redick snap after exercising $2,400,000 option
Lakers fans received good news Friday night after Jaxson Hayes opted into his $2.4 million player option for the 2024–25 NBA season. After three years with the New Orleans Pelicans, the big man landed with the Purple and Gold last season.
Despite not having a stellar performance with the Californians, Hayes became a decent option for the team and now wants to run it back.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Hayes exercised his player option ahead of the June 29 deadline. Just like D'Angelo Russell, he's now set to give it another try with a Lakers team that has renewed expectations amid a busy offseason.
Hayes reacted to the news on Instagram, sharing a story that featured his new head coach, JJ Redick, posing with a duck face.
"Mood," the veteran big man captioned the story.
Hayes played 70 games last season with the Lakers, starting in five of them. He averaged 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, shooting 72% from the field and 62.2% from the free-throw line.
It's worth noting that Hayes posted career-low numbers in scoring last season.
Jaxson Hayes explains that he has a close relationship with his Lakers coach
After spending his first years with the New Orleans Pelicans, Jaxson Hayes had the chance to play alongside notable veterans. JJ Redick happened to be one of them, and they're reuniting now in Los Angeles.
Speaking on their relationship, Jaxson Hayes admitted that he and Redick developed a friendship when the sharpshooter became his vet in New Orleans.
"We're very close friends. My rookie year he was my vet. We have a very close connection. I'm not going to lie, it's definitely a little weird just because we played together three years ago. Now, he's my head coach. It's crazy. I'm just really excited, hopefully, get to work with him. I just can't wait," Hayes told WCPO Cincinnati.
The Lakers now have their head coach and a couple of players returning for next season. They also picked Dalton Knecht and Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft, which can make fans feel positive about the upcoming season. Following two disappointing playoff exits, the Lakers are ready to contend for the title again.