"Bronny running mate" - Fans react candidly to Jaxson Hayes reportedly exercising his $2.4 million player option with Lakers

LA Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes has exercised his player option worth $2.4 million for next season. Hayes is staying with the Lakers to play under former teammate and new head coach JJ Redick. Some fans are also anticipating Hayes to play with Bronny James off the bench.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Hayes won't be entering free agency this summer after he exercised his player option ahead of the June 29 deadline. He played 70 games last season, starting just five in total. He averaged 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds, with his scoring down to a career-low.

At the age of 24, Hayes played with Redick for one season with the New Orleans Pelicans. It's going to be a huge advantage for the Texas product since his former teammate could start to unlock his potential off the bench as a lob threat.

LA Lakers fans are ecstatic with Jason Hayes' decision to stay with the team and not give the franchise any problems. If Hayes left via free agency, the Lakers would have needed to go hunting for a big man with limited money.

"Bronny running mate," one fan wrote.

"JJ Redick is about to unlock Jaxson Hayes," a fan claimed.

"I can get behind this," another fan commented.

Jaxson Hayes won't be a difference maker, especially in a loaded Western Conference. However, Hayes is an athletic big who can be used as a backup center at best or as the third-string big man.

"Hayes in. Valanciunas next. Let's go Lakers!" a fan predicted.

"Such an underrated and valuable role player for this roster. Unlike Darvin Ham, hope coach JJ could see his potential," another fan pleaded.

"Kinda surprised at this. Thought he could've got a raise in free agency," one fan remarked.

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Jaxson Hayes to play under 'close friend' JJ Redick

Jaxson Hayes to play under 'close friend' JJ Redick. (Photo: IMAGN)

Jaxson Hayes was teammates with LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick for one and a half seasons in New Orleans. Hayes was a rookie when Redick signed a two-year contract with the Pelicans in 2019. The two developed a friendship, with the former ESPN analyst serving as the team's vet.

"We're very close friends. My rookie year he was my vet. We have a very close connection. I'm not going to lie, it's definitely a little weird just because we played together three years ago. Now, he's my head coach. It's crazy. I'm just really excited, hopefully, get to work with him. I just can't wait," Hayes told WCPO Cincinnati.

Hayes also told WCPO Cincinnati that he's enjoying life in Southern California, from watching the LA Dodgers to going to Disneyland. He also lives near Manhattan Beach with his girlfriend Casey Braxton.