The winning streak of the Los Angeles Lakers came to an end on Sunday as they fell 123-111 to the Toronto Raptors. It also looks as if the tenure of Nigel Hayes is coming to an end as well.
The Lakers recently signed Hayes to a 10-day contract. That spot was opened up when the team released veteran center Andrew Bogut. Unfortunately for Hayes he didn’t have much of a chance to show his game on the court.
After Sunday’s loss, Tania Ganguli of the L.A. Times reported that the Lakers will not bring Hayes back for a second 10-day contract:
The Lakers aren’t bringing Nigel Hayes back. His 10 day contract expires today.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) January 29, 2018
With the Lakers returning to their winning ways and the majority of wing minutes spoken for, Hayes seeing any meaningful playing time was always a long shot.
Even though he didn’t stick with the Lakers, the franchise did get an up-close look at him which could do some good in the future if the Lakers are looking for players for their Summer League roster or even as a training camp invite.
Now the Lakers will move forward and give another look to a young player who interests them. They still have some needs, particularly 3-point shooting that they will likely look to address.
Who the team will target with their open roster spot is unknown, but the Lakers will continue to try out different players in hopes of finding the perfect fit.
Hayes played one minute against the New York Knicks, and was on the floor for 10 minutes on Sunday. He scored three points on 1-for-3 shooting, making his lone free throw attempt, against the Raptors.
WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION? CHECK OUT THE NEW LAKERSNATION FORUM CLUB
