The Los Angeles Lakers have steadily turned to Jaxson Hayes more and more in recent weeks. He averaged 16.9 minutes and 3.0 field goal attempts per game during L.A.’s first 25 games of the season, and in their last 11 those numbers are up to 19 minutes and 3.9 attempts. Part of that has been injuries to Deandre Ayton, but also an improving chemistry with Luka Doncic.
Doncic and Hayes had immediate on-court chemistry last season when the latter was the team’s starting center after the blockbuster trade. But that faded as the season went on and Hayes’ flaws were exposed as games tightened up. Getting Ayton in the offseason returned Hayes to a more comfortable and familiar backup role.
And not only has that change helped him, but it’s clear that he’s improving as a player. Doncic has noticed that improvement and applauded the athletic center for it.
“I love playing with him down the stretch, whenever. I think we have great chemistry. Obviously, that pick-and-roll. But like I said last, two or three games ago, he’s improved so much in everything,” Doncic said of the big man.
The Lakers needed Hayes to take some sort of step forward this season, even with the addition of Ayton. Their defense was always projected to be on the lower end of the league, but Hayes improving meant that they would always have a defensively serviceable big man on the floor at all times.
Luka loving to play alongside Hayes also bodes well for his future in L.A. He is an unrestricted free agent again this offseason, and as the Lakers continue searching for their long-term answer at center, having Hayes as the backup seems to be a good pairing for all sides.
The Lakers star is going to be instrumental in helping to shape the roster over his time with the team.
Luka Doncic laments terrible play in loss to Bucks
Doncic did not play particularly well on Friday night in the team’s first clutch loss of the season. He had 24 points on 8-of-25 from the field, to go along with nine rebounds and nine assists. He was the first to say after the game, though, that he was unhappy with his performance.
Doncic said that the officials were at no fault, that he simply missed shots and played terribly throughout the losing effort. He also fouled out in the final minute on an unnecessary foul on Kevin Porter Jr. shooting a 3-pointer.
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