After snapping their three-game losing streak against the Indiana Pacers, the Los Angeles Lakers regained a top-four spot in the Western Conference.
The Laker Nation expected another win from the franchise against the Chicago Bulls. For what it’s worth, the Lakers played well until the final 12 seconds or so of the fourth quarter.
Despite leading the game by five points, the Lakers conceded three straight daggers from deep, including a half-court buzzer-beating game-winner by Josh Giddey, resulting in a 119-117 Bulls win.
Even after suffering a painful defeat, LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick focused on the positives. It included heaping huge praise on 24-year-old center Jaxson Hayes.
Redick spoke about how much he loved seeing Hayes add the jump hook to his arsenal.
“He was really good on the offensive end. I thought he was poised on some of his catches where, you know, obviously the lobs are one thing, but just catching it, whether it was in the pocket or on dump off passes, not rushing. First jump hook of his career. Was really happy to see that.”
Since Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Hayes’ caliber as the Lakers’ starting center was questioned.