Free-agent center Jaxson Hayes is returning to the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year contract valued at about $3 million, according to people familiar with the agreement. The deal was negotiated by agents Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison of WME Basketball and finalized with Lakers president Rob Pelinka. Hayes secured a rare no-trade clause as part of the pact. Hayes, 26, shot a career-best 72.2% from the field last season and ranked among the NBA’s top 10 in opponent field-goal percentage on contested layups and dunks, qualifying with more than 250 such challenges. After starting for Los Angeles in 2024-25, he is expected to move into a backup role behind newly acquired center Deandre Ayton. The signing fills the Lakers’ 15th roster spot and gives the club 12 guaranteed contracts. Los Angeles remains roughly $3.3 million below the league’s first-apron hard cap, preserving the flexibility to add second-round pick Adou Thiero or pursue additional depth on the minimum exception.