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Jaxson Hayes pulled off a historic shooting clinic last night, joining an exclusive Kareem Abdul-Jabbar club with 21 points and near-perfect precision. The Lakers center lit up the Pacers with 9-of-11 shooting, combining elite efficiency with a dominant double-double that put Los Angeles firmly back on track.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Hayes’ Stat Line: 21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks on 81.8 percent shooting
- Historic Club: Only Lakers achievement with 20/10/2s/2b on 80+ percent FG alongside Kareem and JaVale McGee
- Final Score: Lakers defeated Pacers 137-130 on March 25, 2026
- Supporting Cast: Luka Doncic scored 43 points in his 11th straight 30-point game
Hayes’ Unforgettable Shooting Masterclass
Jaxson Hayes delivered one of his finest performances in Lakers colors, showcasing unprecedented scoring efficiency. The 21-point outing on 9-of-11 shooting represented professional excellence, with Hayes converting every opportunity into productive possessions down the stretch.
What made Hayes’ night truly special was the combination of scoring prowess and defensive impact. Alongside his 10 rebounds, he added two blocks and two steals, embodying two-way basketball excellence that champions demand from their centers in March.
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Joining Basketball Royalty
Hayes now sits in rarified statistical air, becoming only the third Laker to record 20 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks while shooting 80 percent or better from the field. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the franchise’s greatest icon, previously accomplished this feat, as did JaVale McGee earlier in Lakers history.
The exclusive nature of this statistical combination underscores Hayes’ evolution as a two-way player capable of delivering impact on both ends simultaneously.
Lakers Dominate Despite Late Pacers Rally
Los Angeles controlled most of Wednesday’s matchup, leading by as much as 29 points in the third quarter before Indiana mounted a fourth-quarter comeback. The Pacers pulled within seven points in the final 45 seconds, but Luka Doncic’s heroics proved decisive.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Luka Doncic | 43 | 6 | 7 |
| Austin Reaves | 25 | 0 | 8 |
| LeBron James | 23 | 0 | 0 |
| Jaxson Hayes | 21 | 10 | 1 |
“Hayes moved into the starting lineup and delivered one of his most impactful games this season, showcasing the defensive prowess and efficient scoring the Lakers needed down the stretch.”
— USA Today, Lakers Player Grades Report
Lakers’ Dominant Road Trip Concludes Successfully
The victory capped off an impressive six-win, one-loss road trip for Los Angeles, with the only blemish coming from a three-point loss to the Detroit Pistons two days prior. The 47-26 Lakers played without Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and DeAndre Ayton, yet still maintained championship-caliber execution.
Doncic continued his remarkable stretch with his 11th consecutive 30-point performance, shooting 50 percent while orchestrating the offense with seven assists. This consistency from the star wing has positioned the Lakers squarely in championship contention discussions as the season enters its final stretch.
What Does This Historic Night Mean for Hayes’ Future Role?
Hayes’ dominant performance raises critical questions about his increased role moving forward. The two-way excellence displayed against Indiana suggests the Lakers may have unlocked a more confident, assertive version of their center.
With six games remaining in the regular season and playoff implications mounting, Hayes’ ability to deliver efficient, impactful performances will prove essential. Joining the Kareem-JaVale club overnight transforms perceptions about his playoff readiness and establishes him as a key contributor in Los Angeles’ championship pursuit.
