Jaxson Hayes highlighted the Lakers’ defensive intensity following their 116-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena on Friday night. “That’s just how we got to close out games and get that playoff mentality going is just on the defensive end,” Hayes said, reflecting on his and Deandre Ayton’s late-game impact.
Hayes emphasized the importance of team defense alongside a talented roster. “Obviously we have a really skilled team and we can always score points. So, I feel like just making sure we’re getting stops and everyone’s doing their job is yeah, best way for us to move forward,” he added.
The big man also discussed his defensive growth this season, particularly on switches and coverage. “With the switching and playing in coverage, I just feel like my guards have been fighting over the screens real well, and they’ve just been killing it,” Hayes said. “So, they’re making it easy.” On the offensive end, he noted, “Taking my time in the pocket, making the right reads, that’s the biggest change I’ve made this year.”
Hayes addressed the challenges of returning from a long road trip. “You get back off the East Coast, the time changes still messing you up a little bit. You don’t even get a full day. We landed the other day at like 1:00 a.m., so we had yesterday off. It’s always tough games like this just after being gone for so long,” he explained.
The Lakers’ win featured standout performances from Luka Doncic, who scored 41 points with eight rebounds, and Austin Reaves, who contributed 15 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter. LeBron James added 14 points and eight assists, while Hayes recorded nine points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks.
Hayes also spoke about playing alongside Doncic. “He’s just a good teammate and as a leader he’d be getting all of us going and especially when he starts making tough shots. So I feel like that’s just the head of the snake—when he’s going, we’re all going,” Hayes said.
Despite Brooklyn briefly leading in the fourth quarter, the Lakers pulled away to secure their 11th victory in 12 games. Brooklyn was led by Josh Minott’s 18 points and Nic Claxton and Ziaire Williams’ 16 points each, but both Claxton and Williams were sidelined for the final quarter.
Hayes’ comments underline the Lakers’ focus on defense and calculated decision-making as they continue their strong season. The team now prepares to host the Washington Wizards on Monday following their first consecutive days off since the All-Star break.
