Hayes seeks as a key NBA free agent, the Lakers plan to make some upgrades to the frontcourt

According to Nico Martinez, a special contributor to US sports media F/W. As a key NBA free agent, the Lakers plan to make some upgrades to the frontcourt and find a suitable replacement for Hayes. With the big man becoming a free agent, he is considered one of the members of the team, but the latest intelligence suggests he may actually re-sign with the Lakers on a relatively affordable contract ($10-15 million for three years).

"The Lakers may try to do better here, and Hayes may try to find a place where he is more appreciated, but I'm not sure if we should rule out the possibility of a reunion," wrote John Hollinger of The Athletic. "Between Los Angeles' early bird rights against Hayes and limited funding for supplementing centers like him in the market, these two may find that continuing their un-"friendly" collaboration is still better than choosing to leave."

After finishing third in the Western Conference standings this season, the Lakers have high hopes for the upcoming playoffs. Unfortunately, they played against the Timberwolves in the first round, which beat them in five games on their way to the Western Conference Finals. Now, the Lakers are focused on the offseason, forming a suitable team around their young superstar Doncic. His arrival marked the beginning of a new era for the organization, but it also came at a price: Davis' departure. Without Davis or anyone who replaces him, the Lakers had to rely on Hayes all season, which led to mixed results.

Average 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game with 72.2% shooting percentage in 56 games. He started 35 times for the team, but his role changed in the playoffs when he dropped from 19.5 minutes per game to just 7.8 minutes. He fell out of Redick's rotation and was deemed unable to play against the Timberwolves, and the Wolves took advantage of the Lakers' lack of depth at this position.

As an unrestricted free agent this summer, many fans believe that the Lakers will only let Hayes go. In fact, they may eventually bring him back, depending on their contract signing in the limited market. For now, the Lakers are expected to consider several trade candidates, including Clarkston and Gafford. However, in free agents, there are not many centers available. If the Lakers are short of money and Hayes is still on the roster, they can bring him back to fill the frontcourt. At least, he could be taken to play a substitute, which is more suitable for his level.

Hayes' future really depends on what contract the team will offer this summer. If the market is low enough, the Lakers can still afford him, and he may be their best choice to help the Lakers fill their frontcourt and provide Doncic with a solid basket presence. Ideally, the Lakers will take other actions, and by then their roster may be very different. It’s important that they fill every position and find players who can thrive under Reddick. On top of that, Hayes, who is only 25, still has time to grow and develop his game to be something the Lakers need more. Unless they can find someone better, they'd better keep him around for the foreseeable future.