On Friday, the Utah Jazz officially announced the news that they had signed Jaxson Hayes.
The former Texas star is coming off a year where he had averages of 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest while shooting 75.6% from the field in 66 games for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Jazz wrote (via X): “Welcome to Utah, Jaxson 🏔️”
Looking At Hayes
GettyJaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers before a season opening game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Hayes was the 8th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
He had spent the first four seasons of his pro career with the New Orleans Pelicans.
In 2022, he played a career-high 20 minutes per game (and averaged 9.3 points while shooting 61.6% from the field) for New Orleans.
GettyJaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on November 04, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.
Hayes had spent the last three seasons playing for the Lakers.
His career averages are 6.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest while shooting 66.5% from the field in 433 games.
The 26-year-old has also appeared in 24 NBA playoff games (10 starts).
Social Media Reacts
GettyJaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a fould in the second half of play against the Washington Wizards at Crypto.com Arena on March 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Here’s what people were saying about the signing:
@pferlonpmi2001: “Hayes is also a nearly 7’1 if i get that right he could be a great rim protector and he can still shoot 3 he maybe just a year older than kessler but still he is much faster than kessler.”
@Yurrgurt1: “How may bigs u need Hayes, bamba, Kyle, Lauri, nurk, jjj”
@edsanity22: “So we traded hayes and picks for Kessler. Not bad. Just need a backup for Kessler now.”
@LakerrsLane: “Ima miss that Luka to Hayes connection man”
Looking At The Jazz
GettyHead coach Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz talks in the huddle during a timeout in the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 28, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Jazz are coming off a year where they missed the 2026 NBA playoffs.
They were the 15th seed in the Western Conference with 22-60 record.
The franchise last made the NBA playoffs during the 2022 season when they still had Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell on their roster.
3-Year Los Angeles Lakers Player Officially Signs With New NBA Team