Los Angeles Lakers Snag Gabe Vincent and Jaxson Hayes in NBA Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers have bolstered their roster with two signings, as announced Thursday by Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka. Guard Gabe Vincent and center Jaxson Hayes are set to don the purple and gold in the upcoming NBA season. Vincent, arrives in Los Angeles after a four-year stint with the Miami Heat. He signed for a $33 million three-year contract. Vincent showcased his skills in 68 games, with 34 starts, averaging 9.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. During the recently concluded 2023 NBA Playoffs, the 27-year-old played a crucial role for the Heat, starting in all 22 games and contributing 12.7 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His stellar performance helped guide Miami to the NBA Finals. With the Heat, Vincent has amassed experience in 195 regular-season games, including 68 starts. Additionally, he has participated in 44 playoff games, with 30 starts, posting solid numbers. He has the size and athleticism, as well as brings in some toughness on the defense. Vincent is a guy of many hats, as he mentioned to ESPN. Depending on how they work together throughout the season, his role may change from a game to game basis. Vincent's professional journey began in the NBA G League, where he played for the Stockton Kings and the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Following the 2019-20 season, he was honored with the NBA G League Most Improved Player award. Meanwhile, the Lakers have also secured the services of Jaxson Hayes, on a two-year deal. A 7'0" center weighing 217 pounds, Hayes arrives from the New Orleans Pelicans, where he spent the last four seasons. In the 2022-23 season, Hayes appeared in 47 games, making two starts, and averaged 5.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in just 13.0 minutes per game. During his NBA career, Hayes has played in 241 games, including 47 starts, and has maintained averages of 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game. The 23-year-old has demonstrated his efficiency, shooting over 60.0 percent from the field in three of his four seasons. Hayes' postseason experience includes six games, all starts, during the 2021-22 season, where he contributed fairly. A solid big man like him can help the Lakers protect the rim and secure those rebounds on the defensive end of the floor. His shot-blocking prowess earned him a spot on the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. Hayes is someone they can definitely utilize alongside Anthony Davis in this upcoming season. The additions of Gabe Vincent and Jaxson Hayes are expected to strengthen the Los Angeles Lakers as they aim for success in the upcoming NBA season.