Getty
Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a dunk during the second quarter of an NBA game against the Indiana Pacers.
The Los Angeles Lakers removed Deandre Ayton from the injury report, clearing the veteran center to return after missing Wednesday’s win over the Indiana Pacers.
Ayton missed the final game of their six-game road trip due to back soreness.
His absence, however, created an opportunity that Jaxson Hayes capitalized on in a major way.
Hayes Delivers Breakout Performance
Inserted into the starting lineup, Hayes delivered one of his most complete performances of the season in the Lakers’ 137-130 victory.
He finished with 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting, 10 rebounds, two blocks and two steals across 36 minutes — his first double-double of the season and his only game with double-digit rebounds this year.
Hayes’ activity on both ends stood out, particularly his ability to impact the game defensively while remaining efficient offensively.
Head coach JJ Redick pointed to Hayes’ energy and movement as key factors in the win.
“It starts with running the floor for him, in particular to start that third quarter,” Redick said. “He just created a bunch of scoring opportunities for us.”
Redick also highlighted Hayes’ versatility.
“These guys, they know how dynamic he is as a roller and they’re looking for him,” Redick added. “He did a great job of getting to the spots with pace and then, at times, playing through some contact as well… he ends up with two steals and two blocks.”
Momentum Building for Hayes
The performance continued a strong stretch for Hayes, who has now recorded multiple blocks in four straight games and has scored in double figures in back-to-back outings.
It also marked just the second time this season that he recorded multiple steals and blocks in the same game — both instances coming in his last two appearances.
While Ayton remains the Lakers’ primary option at center, Hayes’ recent play has provided the team with reliable depth at the position.
The performance also gave the Lakers added confidence in their depth, particularly as they manage minutes and health during the final stretch of the season.
Ayton’s Return Stabilizes Rotation
GettyDeandre Ayton of the Los Angeles Lakers returns after a one-game absence due to back soreness.
Ayton’s return comes at a crucial point as the Lakers continue their push toward the postseason.
The team improved to 47-26 with the win over Indiana, capping a 5-1 road trip and strengthening its hold on the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
With Ayton back in the lineup, the Lakers regain a consistent interior presence, particularly in rebounding and rim protection.
His return also allows the team to reestablish its preferred rotation, something Redick has emphasized as critical down the stretch.
Frontcourt Depth Emerging as Strength
The Lakers’ ability to withstand Ayton’s absence — while also seeing Hayes elevate his play — could prove significant as the postseason approaches.
With multiple contributors capable of stepping into larger roles, Los Angeles has shown an ability to adapt when key players are unavailable.
Hayes’ performance offered a glimpse of that flexibility.
Ayton’s return restores the Lakers’ frontcourt structure, but Hayes’ emergence adds another layer — one that could give the team additional options as it prepares for the playoffs.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
More Heavy on Lakers
Loading more stories