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Lakers' $30M diamond in the rough expected to re-sign after committing to summer with Luka Doncic

· Yahoo Sports

Lakers' $30M diamond in the rough expected to re-sign after committing to summer with Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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There is no doubt that Luka Dončić didn’t have one of the best seasons of his career this year. However, that was somewhat expected, as he made it clear to the Los Angeles Lakers organization after his first season with them that his priority is winning—and winning immediately.

“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.

Jaxson Hayes playing alongside Dončić has provided the Lakers with a reliable lob threat, and the duo has already shown strong on-court chemistry.

“The Los Angeles Lakers have the perfect big man to pair with Luka Doncic on their roster. Jaxson Hayes has been fantastic and keeps getting better. The Lakers look smart for the rescinded Mark Williams trade and not panicking. Hayes is making that faith pay off, and fans will have to stay tuned to see what’s next from the 25-year-old big man,” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote.

Dončić has historically been at his best when paired with a rim-running big man, and that connection with Hayes appears to be growing. Their chemistry is expected to take another step forward this summer, as Hayes plans to spend extended time in Slovenia with Dončić.

“Hayes is originally from Oklahoma, and given the talent on the Team USA, he was unlikely to ever get a chance to compete at the Olympic level, making this an incredible opportunity. From a bigger picture perspective, Hayes getting his Slovenian passport to team up with Luka may have just secured his Lakers future,” Lake Show Life’s Chris Lambert wrote.

A full offseason together could be significant for both players and the Lakers as a whole. It also signals that Hayes is a strong candidate to be re-signed, especially as the organization looks to build around its superstar.

Hayes has earned around $30 million over his career and is likely in line for another solid contract this summer. For the Lakers, keeping him would reinforce the idea that Dončić has found his preferred frontcourt partner moving forward.

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