Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic highlighted the strides center Jaxson Hayes has made this season, pointing to improved pick-and-roll chemistry and greater consistency on both ends of the floor.
“I love playing with him down the stretch, whenever. I think we have great chemistry. Obviously, that pick-and-roll,” Doncic said after a recent game. “He’s improved so much in everything.”
Hayes, 25, averaged 16.9 minutes and 3.0 field-goal attempts over the Lakers’ first 25 games. In the last 11 contests, those figures have climbed to 19 minutes and 3.9 attempts, a jump driven partly by injuries to starting center Deandre Ayton and partly by Hayes’ own development.
The former lottery pick began last season as Los Angeles’ starting center following a mid-season blockbuster trade, but his role diminished as opponents exploited defensive shortcomings. Ayton’s arrival in the offseason shifted Hayes back to a reserve spot, a move the Lakers believe has aided his growth while ensuring a “defensively serviceable” big man remains on the court at all times.
Hayes will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Doncic’s endorsement signals the guard’s comfort with the current front-court rotation as the Lakers continue their search for a long-term solution at center.
Doncic Shoulders Blame After Loss to Bucks
Doncic also addressed his own performance in Friday’s 117-112 defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Lakers’ first clutch loss of the campaign. He finished with 24 points on 8-for-25 shooting, nine rebounds and nine assists, fouling out in the final minute on a three-point attempt by Kevin Porter Jr.
“The officials weren’t the problem,” Doncic said postgame. “I missed shots. I played terrible.”
The Lakers return to action Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Source: Lakers Nation
