Well-known reporter: The Lakers center may get a contract of 5.2 million, but he may still stay with the Lakers

The Athletic's well-known NBA reporter John Hollinger analyzed the value of Los Angeles Lakers' inside player Jaxson Hayes in the free market in a recent show. It seems that Hollinger is quite acknowledging the value of Hayes. He believes that Hayes can get a good contract, but he also believes that although Hayes may get some attention from other teams, he may still renew his contract with the Lakers.

Hollinger said: I expect him to get a contract with an annual salary of around $5.2 million in the free market. The Lakers probably want to win a situation that is more beneficial to them in this matter, but from Hayes' personal point of view, he may also want to find a team that appreciates his abilities and talents more. But I think we should not insist at the moment, as they will not cooperate again next season. Because the Lakers have the right to birdie with Hayes, they can renew their contracts with him without being subject to the salary cap. Moreover, players like him who can only serve as substitute centers in other teams will most likely not get much money in the market. Although Hayes and the Lakers have a little bit of a harmonious "relationship", choosing to continue this relationship may be better than finding another way out.

In the NBA regular season this season, Hayes played 56 games in 82 games, averaging 19.5 minutes per game, averaging 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1 assist, 0.6 steals, and 0.9 blocks, 0.8 turnovers and 2.4 fouls, with a shooting percentage of 72.2% and a free throw percentage of 62.2%. In the playoffs, Hayes played 4 games in total, and his average playing time dropped to 7.8 minutes. His average data was only 1.8 points, 2 rebounds, 0.3 assists, and 0.3 blocks. He also had 0.3 turnovers and 2 fouls. His shooting percentage was 37.5% and his free throw percentage was 50%.

Hayes' performance in the second half of the regular season still has certain highlights. He also showed good scoring ability and finishing ability at the offensive end. He was gradually finding his own feelings on the defensive end. His performance has also improved significantly. He once firmly took the team's starting position. However, in the playoffs, Hayes' performance was indeed very difficult, and it was difficult for him to play a decisive role on both offense and defense, and such performance was also very disappointing. In the G5 series, he was directly abandoned by the team. Everyone also sees Hayes' performance, and he is obviously at the level of a substitute center. With Hayes' ability and performance, can he really get a contract with an annual salary of more than 5 million yuan?