Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is one of the very few players in NBA history who can argue that they’re a better creator and playmaker than scorer despite being elite in both areas.
Doncic is an offensive system onto himself, able to create his own shot from all three levels of the floor while also being able to manipulate a defense to open up passing lanes to teammates. With how much defensive attention Luka demands, he’s able to dictate terms and it often results in a good look.
One of the things that makes Doncic so prolific as a passer is his ability to read defenses and throw lobs or dump offs to big men. For example, Jaxson Hayes has looked like a viable center since being paired with Luka. In fact, Hayes has enjoyed playing next to Doncic so much that he’s looking to play with him on Slovenia’s national team.
A big man that’s looking to get paid would benefit playing next to Doncic and it sounds like that will be a big selling point come free agency or trade, via Tim McMahon of ESPN:
“They have the fact they’re the Los Angeles Lakers and I can just tell you, big men will do back flips to be able to be in that Lakers uniform paired with Luka. I was talking to an agent who’s got a big man who may or may not be on the move and he would love to get his guy in L.A. Big men are going to want to play with Luka that much I can assure you.”
As one of the most prominent franchises in the NBA, the Lakers enjoy plenty of primetime and marquee games, perfect for a player to showcase their skills in hopes of landing a lucrative deal. Raw numbers typically don’t always result in success, but it’s an important bargaining chip for agents when trying to negotiate for their clients.
While Deandre Ayton and Hayes have been solid this season, Los Angeles could still use an upgrade at the position. It remains to be seen if that will be happen at this year’s trade deadline, but the center market in the summer will definitely be worth monitoring.
JJ Redick emphasizes need to allow Luka Doncic’s creativity on court
Head coach JJ Redick enjoyed a brief stint as Doncic’s teammate on the Dallas Mavericks, so he’s got a good understanding of what makes the Lakers star tick. Doncic thrives when he’s allowed creative freedom on the court and Redick emphasized needing to let that side of him shine in order to get the best out of him.
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