LOS ANGELES – When the Los Angeles Lakers first acquired Luka Doncic last season, he immediately developed strong chemistry with Jaxson Hayes in the pick and roll. That chemistry has continued to develop this season, and head coach JJ Redick has even built some of the Lakers' lineups around that pairing.
Ahead of the Lakers' game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, JJ Redick pointed out how some of the team's most successful lineups have included Luka Doncic and Jaxson Hayes at the same time. That lineup was able to make a positive impact on the last game against the Denver Nuggets, even though it resulted in a loss.
"We've had a chance to run some lineups with Jackson and Luka and shoot around that recently, and they've been really positive lineups for us. It gives Luka an outlet, it gives Jackson room to run," Redick said during his pregame press conference. “He did a really good job for us last night, Jackson staying behind the defence, forcing Luka [Nikola] Jok has to make a decision there and allow that leg."
"And sometimes, Luka was able to score the basketball. We're not going to be able to do that every game. Denver doesn't switch on, what we call flips or backside screens. We try to switch to blow him up," Redick said. "The perimeter guy's first screen last night, we were able to get some separation, and then from there it's a quick pitch and roll from Jackson. We got a lot of good things from him."
According to Databaller, in the Lakers' top five offensive five-man lineup, Doncic and Hayes are both on the court. Those lineups also include players like Rui Hachimura, Jake Laravia and even rarely used Dalton Knecht, all of whom have been consistent 3-point threats at times for the Lakers.
One reason Hayes is more effective among 3-point shooters is his better decision-making ability in short rolls. He has done a much better job of being able to read defenses faster and recognize corner 3-point shooters.
And when it comes to most assists per 36 minutes when they're on the floor together, Doncic and Hayes are in the top 10 in the league with 3.5, according to NBA.com.
There's no doubt that Doncic and Hayes are very happy with each other when they are on the court together. Hayes gives Doncic a legitimate threat that opposing defenses have to be aware of. Defenders will have to choose their poison between Hayes getting a free lob or Doncic getting single coverage on his step-back jumpers.
Heading into the final stretch of the regular season, it will be interesting to see how Redick continues to utilize the team's different lineups.
