Good news: Los Angeles Lakers ‘agree returns for D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves and reach agreement with free agent Jaxson Hayes’ as they make quick moves
According to reports, the Los Angeles Lakers are continuing their rapid expansion in free agency by re-signing D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Jaxson Hayes.
Teams started to spend a significant amount of money within the first hour of free agency beginning on Friday, with an estimated $1.02 billion in salary being committed.
In addition, the Lakers were back in action on Saturday thanks to Russell signing a $37 million, two-year deal, as reported by ESPN. The source disclosed that the two-year agreement includes a player option for the last year.
Reaves and the team have reportedly agreed to a $56 million, four-year early bird maximum contract, according to The Athletic.
According to ESPN, Hayes, 23, will have a player option in the second year of the contract. Financial details weren’t made public. In 47 games (two starts), the 6-foot-11 Hayes averaged 5.0 points and 2.8 rebounds for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022–23. In 241 games (47 starts), Hayes made an appearance. During his four seasons with the Pelicans, he averaged 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds. He was selected in the NBA Draft’s eighth round.
According to NBA regulations, contracts with free players become legally binding on July 6.
The Lakers have had a busy start to free agency, having signed deals with Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Gabe Vincent, and Rui Hachimura on Friday.