Lakers Re-Sign Jaxson Hayes. Are They Done in Free Agency? What's LeBron's Future in LA?

The Lakers did something that felt fairly inevitable, if not super popular, on Thursday, re-signing free agent center Jaxson Hayes to a one year, minimum level contract. 

Is this a perfect outcome? No, and it would still be nice to improve over him as a backup to Deandre Ayton, particularly given Ayton's rather extensive injury history. But the Lakers have plenty of runway either to sign another player if they'd like (they can release Shake Milton to open up a spot) or use one of their expiring contracts to acquire a player. We'll see. 

Is Hayes the right guy for the job? You can certainly argue he performed well enough last year to earn the gig. And playing against backup, or even third string centers (remember, in some circumstances at least Maxi Kleber will get minutes), he's fine. It would be nice to do better, but the move likely means Al Horford is probably off the table. 

Meanwhile, what is going on with the relationship between LeBron James and the Lakers? 

Is LeBron more inclined to leave, sooner rather than later? Even through a trade request? What happens if he makes one? What would that look like? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Hayes is back!

 

SEGMENT 2: Are the Lakers done? 

 

SEGMENT 3: What's up with LeBron? 

 

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