Credit: Kirby Lee - Imagn Images

How Luka Doncic Has Changed Lakers Big Man's Fortunes

Originally posted on The Spun | By Divij Kulkarni | Last updated Mar 18, 2025 4:02 PM ET

Luka Doncic has truly settled into his life as a Laker in recent weeks, having seemingly recovered from the shock of his unbelievable trade from the Dallas Mavericks. Despite a few blips and some poor shooting, the Slovenian superstar has made a massive impact on the Lakers, and no one has benefitted more than center Jaxson Hayes.

Since January 30th, Jaxson Hayes has been the NBA leader in field goal percentage by a significant margin. Hayes is shooting a whopping 78.3% from the field, with Luka Doncic providing him with the passes he needs to simply go up and dunk the ball without having to think too much.

Hayes is so happy he has Luka now. pic.twitter.com/R7Xeuvpiga
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) March 18, 2025

Jaxson Hayes has sounded quite grateful in his interviews as well, recently calling Doncic the best point guard in the league. The spacing that comes from sharing the floor with Luka, along with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, has allowed the big man to feast in ways that he will only have dreamed of.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts against the Phoenix Suns.Credit: Kirby Lee - Imagn Images

And his presence has been incredibly beneficial for the Lakers, who have only lost 3 out of the last 23 games that Jaxson Hayes has been available for. Luka Doncic is known to have this effect on big men too, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II were the leaders in field goal percentage when they played alongside the Slovenian phenom.

Much was made of the lack of centers on the Los Angeles Lakers after they traded away Anthony Davis, but Hayes has stepped in admirably. A free agent in the coming offseason, he is sure to get paid thanks to the impact Luka Doncic has had on his game.

If this duo can continue to combine in this fashion and make waves in the playoffs, Jaxson Hayes' star is sure to rise even further.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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