The Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic are just starting a long-term partnership, but head coach JJ Redick may stop short of granting his superstar’s wish of having a rim-rolling lob threat on the floor. They brought in Deandre Ayton this offseason. Expect him to start and play 30 minutes, but it is fair to question if he fits the mold Luka wants. Doncic recruited him, but the 18 minutes he is on the bench may be more interesting.
Coach Redick embraced small-ball last season. Jaxson Hayes was his best option at the five after Anthony Davis was traded to Dallas.