The Big Lead

Lakers star Jaxson Hayes claims Luka Doncic is the NBA's best point guard

By Divij Kulkarni

Feb 22, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is congratulated by center Jaxson Hayes (11) after making a basket during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Feb 22, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is congratulated by center Jaxson Hayes (11) after making a basket during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images / Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
facebooktwitter

The Los Angeles Lakers snapped a 4-game losing streak on Sunday with a comfortable 107-96 win over the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers had been flying high after trading for Luka Doncic but had run into some recent problems after injuries to LeBron James and Rui Hachimura.

The Lakers beat the Suns thanks to a massive 33- point Luka game, taking a first-quarter lead and never relinquishing it. Another major factor in the win was Jaxson Hayes, who went off for 19 points while missing only 2 field goals in the entire game. Much has been made of the Lakers' lack of competent big men, but after the game Hayes credited Doncic for his performance with some high praise.

RELATED: Bronny James calls out heckler during Lakers and Nuggets game

"That's the best point guard in the league," Hayes said. "So I trust he's going to find me every time I get open and my job is just trying to get him open as well. It's like a relationship, we both got to contribute something."

Jaxson Hayes was the 8th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft and spent the first four seasons of his NBA career with the New Orleans Pelicans. He was never able to lock down a starting spot but is now making a case for himself as a starter on the Lakers.

The change in Hayes' fortunes has a lot to do with Anthony Davis leaving for the Dallas Mavericks as part of the Luka trade. Not only did that bring more minutes for the big man, but having one of the best passers in the league as his point guard has vastly improved his production as well. It's no wonder Hayes is praising Doncic, it's likely to happen a lot more moving forward.

MORE TOP STORIES from The Big Lead

CBB: Florida gets shockingly tough draw
NFL: Is Stefon Diggs going back to Buffalo?
ROUNDUP: Recap Selection Sunday and more
CBB/SPORTS MEDIA: Dick Vitale should be part of March Madness

Home/NBA