Jaxson Hayes emphasized the importance of contributing to the Lakers beyond scoring following Monday’s 120-101 victory over the Washington Wizards at Crypto.com Arena.
“I just want to make sure I do whatever the team needs me to do. So, I mean, I screen and do a bunch of other things, so I ain’t really my job, but if I get an open one, I’m going to definitely shoot it,” he said.
Reflecting on his shooting development, Hayes added, “Always. I mean, I’m at the end of the day, I’m an NBA player and I still work on other things, too. I can’t just work on dunking all day. So, I got to work on some things.” He credited his increased efficiency to experience, noting, “My third year in the league and my fourth year in the league I shot a little more with the Pelicans.”
Hayes also addressed improvements in his screening technique under Lakers head coach JJ Redick. “A little bit of film plus just knowing right angles to set your screens… and then making sure I’m just set,” he explained. He stressed timing as a key factor: “A big time always is just the guard starts moving early and then like so then you get called for illegal screen.”
On the defensive side, Hayes highlighted his growth in verticality and positioning. “Just practice. Watched lots of film. Making sure I’m just reading and watching film and learning where I got to be at the right times. I definitely was not good at verticality my first few years in the league.”
The center also praised LeBron James’ enduring impact in transition. “If we see him run down, he beats us down the court, that’s not a good thing. So I feel like I got to get down there when I see him start going,” Hayes said. James recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most career victories including playoffs with 1,228.
Regarding rebounding matchups, Hayes explained his strategy against elite boardsmen like Evan Mobley: “Just boxing out and just bringing high energy and just making sure I match his energy all game.” Hayes’ efforts helped the Lakers close the first half on a 38-13 run and maintain a 21-point lead at halftime.
Hayes scored 19 points off the bench while Luke Kennard matched him, and Deandre Ayton contributed 12 points in the win. Austin Reaves added 19 points and nine assists, supporting a Lakers roster that went 7-6 without suspended Luka Doncic this season.
The Lakers now prepare to host Cleveland on Tuesday, while the Wizards will face Philadelphia on Wednesday.
