Hayes renews his stay-at-home Lakers for one year! Will serve as Ayton s substitute. Horford may retire to the Warriors?

On July 4, sources told ESPN that free agent center Jaxson Hayes has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year contract. It is reported that this is expected to be a one-year basic salary contract.

Hayes' agents, Bill Duffy and Malone Harrison of WME Basketball Agency, finalized the contract with Lakers President Robert Pelinka today. And just one day ago, the Lakers had just reached a two-year contract with free agent center DeAndre Aiton.

Last season, Hayes became the Lakers' starting center, with his shooting percentage reaching a career-high 72.2%. Among those involved in at least 250 layups and dunk defenses, he ranks in the top 10 in limiting opponents’ shooting percentage. He averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 56 games throughout the season.

Hayes started the first four games in the series where the Lakers lost 1-4 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, but in any of the series he played less than 10 minutes and did not play in Game 5.

Now, he will serve as Ayton's substitute.

With the Lakers signing Hayes, they basically withdraw from the competition for Horford. US media said that Horford is expected to join the Warriors or directly choose to retire.