Lazar Hayward facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Lazar Hayward

Hayward with the Timberwolves
Personal information
Born	(1986-11-26) November 26, 1986 (age 38) Buffalo, New York, U.S.
High school	Buffalo Traditional (Buffalo, New York) Notre Dame Prep (Fitchburg, Massachusetts)
Listed height	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight	225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
College	Marquette (2006–2010)
NBA Draft	2010 / Round: 1 / Pick: 30th overall
Selected by the Washington Wizards
Pro career	2010–2017
Career history
2010–2011	Minnesota Timberwolves
2011–2012	Oklahoma City Thunder
2012	→Tulsa 66ers
2012–2013	Minnesota Timberwolves
2013, 2016	Los Angeles D-Fenders
2016–2017	Long Island Nets
2017	Guaros de Lara
Career highlights and awards
2× Second-team All-Big East (2008, 2010)
Medals Men's basketball Representing  United States Summer Universiade Bronze 2009 Belgrade Team competition

Lazar Miller Hayward, born on November 26, 1986, is an American who used to play professional basketball. He was a very good player for the Marquette Golden Eagles college team.

High School Basketball Journey

Lazar Hayward attended Buffalo Traditional High School where he was a great basketball player. After finishing high school in 2004, Hayward went to Notre Dame Prep School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. At first, only one smaller college, SUNY Fredonia, showed interest in him.

While at Notre Dame Prep, Hayward played alongside other famous players. These included Michael Beasley and Paul Harris. Hayward was a starter during his first two years there. Experts at Rivals.com thought he was a top player. In 2006, they ranked him as the 18th best small forward in the country. He was also listed as the 73rd best player overall.

College Career at Marquette

At Marquette University, Lazar Hayward earned the nickname "Money Man." He became one of the best players in Marquette's history. He finished his college career as the 3rd highest scorer ever for the team. He was also 5th all-time in rebounds.

Hayward received special honors for his play. He was named to the Second-Team All-Big East in both 2008 and 2010. In 2010, he also earned an Honorable Mention as an AP All-American. He helped lead Marquette to the NCAA Tournament four times. On April 2, 2010, Hayward was named the Hershey's Player of the Game in the Reese's College All-Star Game.

Professional Basketball Career

Playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves (2010–2011)

On June 25, 2010, Lazar Hayward was chosen by the Washington Wizards in the 2010 NBA draft. He was the 30th player picked in the first round. Soon after, his draft rights were traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Interestingly, his college teammate Jimmy Butler was picked at the same spot in the NBA draft the next year. This was a rare event for Marquette players. It was the first time since 1978 that two Marquette players were picked in the first round in back-to-back years. In his first year in the NBA, Hayward played about 10 minutes per game. He averaged 3.8 points for the Timberwolves.

Time with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2011–2012)

On December 13, 2011, before the next season began, Hayward was traded. He went to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder sent two future draft picks and Robert Vaden to get him.

The Thunder sent Hayward to their minor league team, the Tulsa 66ers, on March 2, 2012. He played very well there, averaging 28 points per game in just two games. Because of his strong play, the Thunder called him back up to the main team on March 4, 2012. That season with the Thunder, he averaged 1.4 points per game. He shot 34% from the field. Hayward and the Thunder made it all the way to the 2012 NBA Finals. However, they lost to the Miami Heat.

Returning to Minnesota (2012–2013)

On October 27, 2012, Hayward was traded again, this time to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets then decided to let him go. On December 31, 2012, Hayward signed again with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was released by the Timberwolves on January 6, 2013. But just two days later, he signed a new 10-day contract with them.

Playing for the Los Angeles D-Fenders (2013; 2016)

After his 10-day contract ended, Hayward joined the Los Angeles D-Fenders. This team was part of the NBA Development League, which is now called the G League. He was released by the D-Fenders on April 4, 2013, because he got injured.

In September 2013, Hayward signed with the New Orleans Pelicans. However, the Pelicans released him on October 13, 2013. On January 29, 2016, Hayward rejoined the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

Playing for the Long Island Nets (2016–2017)

On November 1, 2016, the Long Island Nets acquired Lazar Hayward. They had previously gotten his rights through an expansion draft. On February 8, 2017, the Nets released Hayward. In 20 games with the team, he averaged 12.5 points. He also grabbed 5.9 rebounds and made 1.4 steals per game. He played about 24.3 minutes each game.

Time with Guaros de Lara (2017)

On February 11, 2017, Hayward signed with Guaros de Lara. This team plays in the LPB, a professional basketball league.

NBA Career Statistics Overview

Regular Season Performance

Playoff Performance

See also

In Spanish: Lazar Hayward para niños

• 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans