Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes Highlights Win with Spectacular Eastbay Dunk Against Bulls

The Los Angeles Lakers showcased their skills on Monday night, securing a victory against the Chicago Bulls. This win marked their fourth triumph in five games. Luka Doncic stood out with an impressive 46 points, alongside valuable contributions from LeBron James and Rui Hachimura. Jaxson Hayes and Marcus Smart also had noteworthy performances.

In just 23 minutes on the court, Hayes scored eight points and recorded four rebounds. His highlight moment came in the fourth quarter when he executed a spectacular Eastbay dunk during a fastbreak. This impressive move, completed between the legs, is a rare feat in competitive play.

Jaxson Hayes Reflects on His Eastbay Dunk

After the game, Hayes shared his thoughts on the daring dunk. He explained, “I don’t even know. I just got the steal and I saw him out the corner of my eye… I was just like frick it, I’m gonna try it real quick.” This wasn’t Hayes’ first Eastbay dunk with the Lakers; he had successfully completed the same trick earlier in April 2024.

Hayes described his experience with the dunk, noting that he had attempted it in previous NBA games. “I remember just trying it in middle school… and then I got to like my sophomore year… when I was actually dunking,” he said. Despite his confidence, he admitted to feeling worried about missing the dunk during the game. “I thought I was about to get hung by the rim so bad,” he added with a laugh.

Significance of the Dunk

Eastbay dunks are uncommon during actual games, but Hayes seems determined to incorporate them into his play. This particular dunk provided an instant highlight and energized the team, especially in critical moments.

Lakers’ Building Momentum

LeBron James emphasized the importance of winning against the Bulls, who had entered the game on a four-game winning streak. James noted the victory could serve as momentum for the Lakers as they approach the stretch run of the season.

As the Lakers aim for success, Hayes’ continued commitment to executing spectacular plays, like his Eastbay dunk, adds excitement and energy to the team’s performance.