Insider: Jaxson Hayes wants to stay with the Lakers

The Victor Wembanyama era may have begun in earnest on Monday. That night, the 22-year-old, 7-foot-4 San Antonio Spurs phenom went off for 41 points, 24 rebounds and three blocks in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, and he made numerous plays in crunch time as the Spurs defeated the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in double overtime. Many agree that if the Los Angeles Lakers are to win the NBA championship anytime soon, the team will need some sort of upgrade at the center position.

Deandre Ayton's season with the Lakers was considered a disappointment, or something even worse than that, and while backup Jaxson Hayes plays with energy and effort, he is limited offensively and lacks elite strength. Still, it may help the Lakers to keep Hayes, even if he ends up third on their depth chart next season. He will become a free agent this summer, and Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports reported that the big man wants to stay put, although it isn't a given he will do so (h/t Lakers Daily ).

“Hayes wants to return to the Lakers, but if he gets a significant offer—with more playing time—he would have to take it,” Deveney wrote. Hayes just completed his third season with the Lakers. This season, he posted 7.

5 points, 4. 1 rebounds and 0. 8 blocks in 18.