There are a lot of fresh faces on the Los Angeles Lakers this year, including Jaden Hardy, who was acquired in a trade with the Washington Wizards. Hardy has some notable connections on the Lakers as he played with Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks.
Coming in as a rookie in 2022, Hardy got the immediate opportunity to learn from a generational guard. Now that they have reunited in Los Angeles, the 6’3″ guard chose No. 7 in connection to Doncic’s No. 77.
“Finally a Laker. Funny story, I was thinking when they sent me the list of numbers, I was going through the list and I didn’t know what to pick,” Hardy said on the Lakers YouTube channel. “But after speaking with Luka and Luka’s my guy, you know he’s 77. So, I was like it’s only right I go seven. So, I chose seven. Seeing that, it almost feel like it was a dream come true just like something that I honestly could dream of. And being a Laker, I’m excited for this opportunity.”
Hardy did not play college basketball, but he came into the draft as a guard who can score. When the Mavericks dealt him to the Washington Wizards, he demonstrated his scoring ability by putting up 12.6 points per game in his first opportunity at extended minutes.
In 23 appearances, he shot efficiently at 44.3% from the field and 42% from 3-point range on six attempts. Now as a Laker, Hardy’s bench scoring could be needed in pinches for head coach JJ Redick, even if he may not be a consistent mainstay in the rotation.
Ultimately, general manager Rob Pelinka dealt Deandre Ayton in that deal with the Wizards to acquired Hardy. But two second-round picks certainly sweetened the pot as the Lakers look to further improve their roster.
Luka Doncic understands value of Lakers brand despite multiple ownership sales
Doncic has dealt with plenty of changes throughout his NBA career and the blockbuster trade to the Lakers felt like his most sizable adjustment. However, he is now dealing with his third ownership group heading into his second full season in Los Angeles.
In less than 18 months, Mark Walter sold his majority ownership stake to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner at a $12.5 billion valuation. Players like stability and L.A. is looking to establish itself since Jeanie Buss opted to sell the team.
When the news broke surrounding the sale, many speculated how Doncic would feel about this recent influx of changes. Thankfully, he understands the value of the Lakers brand despite ownership changing in rapid succession.
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