Hayes Credits LaRavia as Lakers Bench Fuels 24-0 Run in Phoenix
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The Los Angeles Lakers’ reserve group delivered its strongest stretch of the season on Dec. 14, 2025, powering a 24-0 burst that set up a 114-112 road victory over the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Center Jaxson Hayes supplied the signature moment of the night, elevating over Suns big man Oso Ighodaro for a one-handed slam in transition. After the game, Hayes directed the praise to teammate Jake LaRavia, whose steal and lead pass sparked the highlight.
“Shoutout to Jake,” Hayes told Spectrum SportsNet. “He threw that same pass in Milwaukee, and each time he does, it turns into a dunk.”
Hayes finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. LaRavia struggled from the field (2-for-9) but compensated with eight boards, two steals and two blocks. Guard Gabe Vincent and forward Jarred Vanderbilt rounded out a bench unit that energized the Lakers on both ends.
Vanderbilt, recently out of the rotation, logged key minutes because of injuries elsewhere on the roster. Head coach JJ Redick said he was pleased to see the veteran forward seize the opportunity, especially on the defensive end.
The Lakers entered the night with the NBA’s lowest-scoring bench, yet the quartet of LaRavia, Hayes, Vincent and Vanderbilt provided the intensity the team needed to snap a two-game skid and improve to 19-9 on the season.
Source: Lakers Nation
