As the Lakers aim to transition fully into the Luka Dončić era, a crucial summer awaits that will determine which players should surround their new superstar. This evaluation will likely be based on the skillsets that best complemented him during his most successful moments in the NBA, along with what was revealed in the recent playoffs.
It all starts with the right ball screen partner. Every on-ball shot creator needs the right big man beside him on offense. Tyrese Haliburton with Myles Turner and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with Chet Holmgren are a few pairings having major success.
It’s no secret that Dončić desires a big man alongside him who possesses very specific skill sets. The primary requirement is someone who can effectively operate above the rim as a lob catcher.
LA had Jaxson Hayes, a seven-foot center, who offensively played the theoretical role in the regular season. Watch below as he calls up Hayes to set the screen, and finds him for the alley oop.
Dončić attacks middle, and once he knows the defense doesn’t tag the roll man, or is late, the lob pass is coming over the top. Per NBA’s tracking data, Hayes and Dončić lineups posted an offensive rating of 116.5, while having a net rating of +8.3.
Hayes eventually lost all his trust from head coach J.J Redick and his staff as the playoffs revealed his inability to stay out of foul trouble and defend to a playable baseline. The center on a Dončić team. then, can’t simply jump off the floor for lobs. They need to be able to protect the rim and compensate for defensive mistakes that will undoubtedly occur.
Dončić experienced his greatest success in the league the prior season, supported by lob catchers Derek Lively and Daniel Gafford, who not only finished strong at the rim but also protected it effectively.
LA went into the playoffs with one viable center, and eventually pushed to play lineups containing only wings and guards, which were unable to stay on the floor defensively.
As much defensive improvement as one can hope Dončić can achieve, he will always need defensive protection, making who takes the center spot the most crucial component of the Lakers’ offseason.
