Lakers News: Nigel Hayes Officially Signed To 10-Day Contract
Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers announced the signing of Nigel Hayes to a 10-day contract, making him available for Friday’s game against the Indiana Pacers. A graduate of Wisconsin, the 23-year-old was not selected in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Hayes joined the New York Knicks roster in Summer League and eventually received an invitation to training camp invite. However, he was cut prior to the regular season beginning.

In 30 games (27 starts) for the Westchester Knicks of the G League, Hayes averaged 14.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and two assists in 35.1 minutes. He shot 44 percent from 3-point range, which presumably was one aspect that attracted the Lakers to Hayes.

He has the ability to play both forward positions, but minutes at the four-spot may be hard to come by, with the likes of Kyle Kuzma, Larry Nance Jr. and Julius Randle receiving minutes generally may not be there.

Moreover, Brandon Ingram has played some power forward when the Lakers elected to go small. Though, Ingram tweaked his previously sprained ankle in Wednesday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and is considered a game-time decision.

“He obviously doesn’t know the offense,” Lakers head coach Luke Walton said of Hayes at shooaround. “But if we’re in a situation where Brandon doesn’t play, guys get in foul trouble, or something else happens health-wise, we’d need him.

“If we need to call on him, I’ll feel confident with his basketball IQ to help us out.”

Hayes joins Gary Payton II as players to sign a 10-day contract with the Lakers this week. Payton II has appeared in two games with the team thus far.

WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION? CHECK OUT THE NEW LAKERS NATION FORUM CLUB

You May Also Like

Lakers News: DeAndre Jordan Expects Matchups To Dictate Center Rotation

After moving away from what made them successful in the 2019-20 season, the Los Angeles Lakers decided to bring in DeAndre…

Lakers Rumors: L.A. Would ‘Easily’ Part With D’Angelo Russell And Julius Randle

The Los Angeles Lakers may have landed the second overall pick in the NBA Draft, but that alone won’t guarantee a return to prominence….

Evaluating Mike Brown’s First Season as Head Coach of the Lakers

In no other profession are you ever compared to your predecessors as…

Lakers News: Dahntay Jones Denies Dirty Play Against Kobe Bryant

The Atlanta Hawks beat the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night and yet…