Luka Doncic made his long-anticipated Lakers debut Monday night, recording 14 points, five rebounds and four assists as LA defeated the Utah Jazz 132-113. From the opening tip, it was evident how Doncic would adjust to the Lakers’ system, by playing his game and, at the urging of LeBron James, being himself.
But LeBron is not the only one who will benefit from Doncic’s presence. The Don’s arrival could enhance the play of LA’s starting center, Jaxson Hayes.
LeBron Not the Only Beneficiary of Luka on the Lakers
Hayes Eyed Doncic as Teammate for Years
The connection between Hayes and Doncic goes back to before they were even teammates. Following the Lakers’ win over the Pacers on Feb. 8, the 24-year-old revealed the Mavericks kept pursuing him via trade when he was on the Pelicans.
“When he was in Dallas and I was in New Orleans my first few years, they kept trying to trade for me,” Hayes told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “New Orleans never allowed it. He was like, ‘Do you remember when we couldn’t trade for you?’ I was like, ‘Do you remember what I told you after every game I played against you?’ After every game I would be like, ‘If you ever need a big, I would love to play with you.’ Just because of the way he moves the ball.”
Hayes’ wish was granted on the Lakers’ second possession against the Jazz, when Doncic euro-stepped to the hoop before lobbing the ball up to the 7-footer—the first of many connections between the two.
Luka Doncic with the LOB to Jaxson Hayes 😤pic.twitter.com/cvTpsdnLCa
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 11, 2025
Following LA’s dominant victory, Hayes—who finished with 12 points on 6/6 shooting—reflected on his first game with Doncic after watching him from afar over the years.
“It was extremely fun tonight,” Hayes said. “Shoot, Bron had a few lobs. Luka had a few lobs. … I mean, it’s just fun. Like, I feel like the way we’ve been playing, or the whole team’s been playing, the ball has just been moving, and I feel like that’s just joyful basketball. Everyone’s getting to touch, everyone’s getting shots.”
Hayes Holds Major Responsibilities Going Forward
With the Lakers ultimately unable to land a center at this year’s trade deadline, Hayes is a key Laker to watch for the rest of the season. He has already earned the trust of James and Doncic and shown promise as a starter in recent outings. Hayes has averaged 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.7 blocks over his last six starts. He has also shot 82% from the field in that span.
Hayes has proven his worth as a solid lob threat and rim protector, and he’s come into his own after playing behind Davis for the last year and a half. Despite some inconsistency, he’s still a reliable option for the Lakers, and playmakers such as Doncic, James and Austin Reaves can unlock Hayes’ potential going forward.
The 24-year-old is currently LA’s best option at center aside from the injured Christian Wood and two-ways Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison. Unless the Lakers find a legitimate starting center on the buyout market, they should continue developing Hayes and helping him succeed in a new role—one that he’s more than equipped to handle with confidence from his coach and star teammates. Hayes is turning a corner for the Lakers, and they will need his contributions if they want to remain a top-five team in the West.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
