Lakers News: Jaxson Hayes Credits Luka Doncic & LeBron James For Huge Night
The acquisition of Luka Doncic pushed Jaxson Hayes into the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite some initial doubts, Hayes has been excelling. He understands his role alongside Doncic and LeBron James, delivering exactly what’s expected of him.
In the Lakers’ victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, Hayes had his best game of the season, making all eight of his field goals and three free throws, finishing with a season-high 19 points and 10 rebounds. When asked about his performance, Hayes credited his superstar teammates.
“Honestly, when you play with Luka and LeBron, they’ll get you the ball,” Hayes said. “I just stood by the basket, and they found me. The rest is just me being 7-foot tall. I didn’t do much, it was all thanks to them.”
While Luka and LeBron certainly make things easier for Hayes, the energetic center also deserves recognition. His screening and overall hustle benefit the Lakers’ superstars, and he’s done well to position himself and be ready for their passes.
More crucially, the Lakers are playing their best basketball of the season, and Hayes attributed the team’s success to the coaching staff’s strategies and preparation, ensuring everyone stays focused.
“For sure, it’s the coaching staff,” Hayes said when asked why the Lakers are clicking. “Everyone’s been playing with a lot of energy, giving it their all. When you play solid defense like that, it’s easy to get wins. It’s all about the schemes, coaching, and execution.”
With the Lakers now showing their potential, Hayes knows it’s vital to maintain their intensity.
“We just have to keep this up,” Hayes added. “No room for complacency. It’s all about staying focused and pushing forward. That’s it.”
If the Lakers stay locked in, especially on defense, they’ll be a tough team to face in the playoffs.
Luka Doncic Likely to Stay with Lakers Long-Term
With Luka Doncic now part of the Lakers, the franchise’s top priority is to keep him for the long haul, and reports suggest he shares that goal.
A recent report highlighted Doncic’s loyalty, noting he once wanted to stay in Dallas for his entire career. It added that he is enjoying his time with the Lakers and life in Los Angeles.