The Los Angeles Lakers are on absolute fire, notching their eighth consecutive win with Thursday's 113-109 overtime victory over the New York Knicks. The effort improved the Lakers' record to 20-4 in their last 24 outings, further solidifying their growing hold on the Western Conference's No. 2 seed.
The Lakers' latest success couldn't have been made possible without everyone in the lineup — from superstars to bench players — doing their part. That includes a pair of role players who've recently been stepping up to help make everyone's life easier.
Lakers News: Jaxson Hayes, Gabe Vincent Stepping Up Amid Win Streak
Following the Lakers' OT win against the Knicks, head coach JJ Redick praised center Jaxson Hayes and point guard Gabe Vincent for their efforts in the game. Without the supporting duo stepping up, Los Angeles' streak might be over.
"A night like tonight, when it felt like a lot of things didn't go our way and it wasn't easy, it often can come from your non-stars," Redick said (h/t @LakersNation). " I think Jaxson's defense in the second half, Gabe's shotmaking. We don't win this game without Gabe's four 3s."
JJ Redick shouts out Jaxson Hayes and Gabe Vincent after tonight's win:
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 7, 2025
"A night like tonight, when it felt like a lot of things didn't go our way and it wasn't easy, it often can come from your non-stars. I think Jaxson's defense in the second half, Gabe's shotmaking. We don't…
Hayes, 24, has been forced to step into a bigger role after the Lakers swapped Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic last month. The former 2019 first-round pick played well on both ends of the floor against the Knicks, scoring eight points while tallying five rebounds, three assists, and a pair of blocks.
Hayes' biggest contribution last night came at the free-throw line, sinking both of his attempts in OT to give the Lakers a lead they wouldn't surrender. The ex-Texas Longhorn is now averaging 8.3 points on 78.1% shooting and 5.6 rebounds with a plus-7.6 plus/minus rating in his last 16 appearances.
Meanwhile, Lakers fans were happy to see Vincent drop four three-pointers at crypto.com Arena — including three in the fourth quarter alone. It was the sort of performance the veteran playmaker needed amid a season where his future in Los Angeles has come into question.
There's still a lot to prove that he's turned the corner, however, Vincent's recent play has been encouraging. He's averaging 7.9 points, 2.0 assists, and 0.9 steals while shooting 34.9% on 5.9 three-point attempts in his last 14 outings. Considering how he's also finished with a positive plus/minus rating in eight of those appearances, the Lakers are hoping to see more of the same going forward.
While big performances from Doncic and LeBron James are crucial to the Lakers' success, championships can't be won without a reliable supporting cast. Hopefully, Vincent and Hayes continue successfully filling that description down the stretch.
For now, the Lakers will head into the remainder of the regular season with the fourth-best 2024-25 NBA Finals odds (+1300) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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