Jaxson Hayes scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 137-130 on Wednesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Speaking after the game, Hayes emphasized the importance of playing in front of his family.
“I grew up an hour and a half away. So my whole family was here. I got the energy there for sure. I was just excited. I got to play in front of my parents and stuff,” Hayes said.
He reflected on his performance in a critical stretch of the season, noting how team dynamics contributed to his success. “I was just doing my job and the guys were finding me. When you have players like LeBron, Luka, and AR, they’re going to attract double teams. I just try to get in positions where they can find me after and if they need the outlet or anything,” he explained.
Hayes also shared details about his family presence at the game. “Honestly just my mom and dad. My little brothers are in college now, my sister’s in college now. It was just my mom and dad,” he said. He described the time spent with them before the game as rejuvenating. “I got like a homecooked breakfast from my mom. I got to hang out with my dad all day. Then drove up here with my mom and dad, got dinner with them. It was awesome. Best way to end a trip for sure.”
The Lakers improved to 47-26 overall, winning 10 of 11 games, with Luka Doncic scoring 43 points. Hayes stressed the significance of the road trip in preparing for the playoffs. “Obviously we’re in that playoff race right now and everything we do is building us up and building character towards the playoffs. We really needed this trip,” he said.
Hayes praised the defensive impact of Bronny James, who played key minutes off the bench. “He’s a real quick athletic player and it really shows on the defensive end. He did great today. He got that stealing dunk, a bunch of other deflections, and he was just stopping guys,” Hayes said.
The Lakers opened the game with a 10-point lead and never trailed, extending a third-quarter advantage to 29 points. Indiana cut the lead to 131-124 with 45 seconds left, but LeBron James’ free throws and a late 3-pointer by Jarace Walker could not close the gap.
Los Angeles played without Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, and Marcus Smart, who all missed their second consecutive game. Tyrese Haliburton returned to the Pacers’ bench for the first time in a month, though he remains out for the season.
The Lakers will host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, while the Pacers prepare to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
