Jaden Hardy is bringing more than his scoring ability to Los Angeles. He is also bringing a familiar connection with Luka Doncic — and apparently, a little help when it comes to choosing a jersey number.
After joining the Los Angeles Lakers, Hardy quickly reached out to his former Dallas Mavericks teammate. The reunion was already exciting for the young guard, but Doncic also played a surprising role in Hardy’s first decision as a Laker.
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Hardy Chose No. 7 With Luka in Mind
Hardy admitted that selecting a jersey number was not exactly an easy decision.
When the Lakers gave him a list of available numbers, he found himself unsure about which one to choose. Then he spoke with Doncic.
The answer suddenly became much clearer.
Because Doncic famously wears No. 77, Hardy decided that taking No. 7 was the perfect way to connect their stories. For Hardy, it was more than simply picking a number — it represented the chance to reunite with a player who had played an important role in his early NBA career.
Hardy described becoming a Laker as something that felt almost unreal. And with Doncic already in Los Angeles, the transition comes with a familiar face waiting for him.
Sometimes the hardest part of joining a new team is finding your number. Hardy apparently found his answer one conversation at a time.
Doncic’s Own No. 7 Connection
The choice also has an interesting connection to Doncic’s basketball journey.
Early in his professional career with Real Madrid, Doncic wore No. 7 as a tribute to Greek basketball star Vassilis Spanoulis. When No. 7 was unavailable with the Dallas Mavericks and the Slovenian national team, Doncic used No. 77 instead.
That makes Hardy’s decision to wear No. 7 in Los Angeles even more meaningful.
The number is not simply a nod to his former teammate. It also reflects a small piece of Doncic’s basketball history.
Hardy and Doncic Already Have Plenty of History
Hardy and Doncic spent nearly three seasons together in Dallas after the Mavericks acquired Hardy’s draft rights in 2022.
During that time, Hardy often spoke about the confidence Doncic gave him as a young player trying to establish himself in the NBA.
One of the earliest examples came during Hardy’s rookie season.
After Hardy scored his first NBA points in Dallas’ 121-100 victory over the New York Knicks in 2022, Doncic made sure the young guard had a special souvenir. He obtained the game ball and gave it to Hardy in the locker room.
For a rookie, that kind of gesture can stick with you.
Hardy later explained that Doncic did not have to do it, which made the moment even more memorable. It became one of those small locker-room moments that can mean far more than the box score suggests.
Why the Reunion Could Help the Lakers
Hardy’s relationship with Doncic could be valuable beyond the emotional side of their reunion.
The guard enters Los Angeles with career three-point shooting accuracy of 38.6%, giving the Lakers another perimeter option. That could become especially important for a team looking to improve its outside shooting after ranking 23rd in the NBA in three-pointers made last season.
More importantly, Hardy already understands what it is like to play alongside Doncic.
He knows how Doncic creates opportunities, handles the ball and draws defensive attention. That familiarity could help Hardy settle into his role faster than a newcomer who has never shared the floor with the Lakers star.
In other words, Hardy may not need a lengthy chemistry tutorial. He has already taken the course in Dallas.
Hardy Looks Ahead to a Fresh Start in Los Angeles
When Hardy learned he was headed to the Lakers, contacting Doncic was one of his first moves. He told his former teammate how excited he was about the reunion and how eager he was to get back into the gym and work together.
According to Hardy, Doncic was just as enthusiastic.
That shared history gives the Lakers an intriguing dynamic heading into their next chapter. Hardy arrives with NBA experience, shooting ability and an established understanding of Doncic’s game.
Now, the challenge will be turning that familiarity into production on the court.
Jaden Hardy’s choice of No. 7 may look like a small detail, but it tells a bigger story about his relationship with Luka Doncic. From the game ball Doncic gave him as a rookie to the encouragement he received during his development, Hardy clearly values the influence his former teammate had on his career.
Now they get another opportunity to play together, this time under the bright lights of Los Angeles.
And if Hardy’s jersey number is any indication, he is arriving in Hollywood with Luka already in his corner.
FAQ:
Why did Jaden Hardy choose No. 7 with the Lakers?
Jaden Hardy chose No. 7 after speaking with Luka Doncic. Since Doncic wears No. 77, Hardy felt No. 7 was a fitting choice for their reunion in Los Angeles.
What is Jaden Hardy’s connection to Luka Doncic?
Hardy and Doncic were teammates with the Dallas Mavericks for nearly three seasons. Hardy has credited Doncic with helping him build confidence during his early NBA career.
Did Luka Doncic influence Jaden Hardy’s Lakers jersey number?
Yes. Hardy said he was unsure which number to select until he talked with Doncic, which helped inspire his decision to wear No. 7.
Why is No. 7 significant to Luka Doncic?
Doncic wore No. 7 early in his professional career with Real Madrid as a tribute to Greek basketball legend Vassilis Spanoulis. He later switched to No. 77 when No. 7 was unavailable.
What did Luka Doncic do for Jaden Hardy during his rookie season?
After Hardy scored his first NBA points, Doncic got the game ball and gave it to him in the locker room. Hardy later described the gesture as a special memory.
How could Jaden Hardy help the Lakers?
Hardy’s career three-point shooting percentage of 38.6% gives the Lakers another perimeter scoring option. His previous experience playing alongside Doncic could also help him adjust quickly.
When did Jaden Hardy and Luka Doncic play together in Dallas?
Hardy and Doncic spent nearly three seasons together after Dallas acquired Hardy’s draft rights in 2022.
Can Hardy and Doncic’s previous chemistry benefit the Lakers?
It could. Hardy already understands Doncic’s playing style and has experience playing alongside him, potentially making their reunion smoother on the court.
Also Read: Why Did Chris Bosh Compare the Cleveland Sirens to Mark Cuban’s Mavericks?
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