Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes
Up double digits late, the Los Angeles Lakers appeared to have Monday night’s win over Chicago wrapped up. Then Jaxson Hayes added an unexpected wrinkle that sparked laughs, debate, and a memorable reaction from Luka Doncic.
With Los Angeles ahead 122–110 and just under three minutes remaining, Hayes jumped a passing lane and sprinted out in transition. Instead of a simple finish, the big man attempted a between-the-legs dunk, often referred to as an East Bay. The play violated one of basketball’s long-standing unwritten rules about showmanship late in decided games, and it immediately drew attention from teammates and fans alike.
Doncic, watching from nearby, reacted with visible disbelief. Cameras later caught him chiming in with a lighthearted response that quickly made the rounds online and helped turn a routine late-game moment into a viral clip.
Locker Room Reaction to Hayes’ Dunk
The dunk became a postgame talking point inside the Lakers’ locker room, though not everyone treated it as a big deal. Wing Jake LaRavia downplayed the moment when asked about it, brushing off the degree of difficulty.
“He didn’t get that high,” LaRavia said, adding that Obi Toppin stands alone as the league’s true in-game East Bay specialist.
That comment prompted Doncic to jump in off camera with a grin.
“I did it when I was a teen. I have a video,” Doncic said.
He wasn’t exaggerating. Clips have circulated for years showing a 13-year-old Doncic throwing down the same type of dunk long before his NBA stardom. The exchange kept the mood light and underscored that Hayes’ decision did not create any real tension inside the locker room.
Around the league, only a handful of players have attempted between-the-legs dunks during live action, given the risk of failure and potential backlash from coaches. Hayes’ confidence added flair to a game that was already tilting heavily in Los Angeles’ favor.
Lakers’ Win Powered by Doncic and LeBron
Lost in the dunk discourse was another dominant performance from Doncic. The All-NBA guard finished with 46 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists over 38 minutes, controlling the game from start to finish as the Lakers secured a 129–118 road win over the Bulls, Lakersnation reports.
The victory pushed Los Angeles to 28–17 on the season and marked back-to-back wins on an eight-game trip. LeBron James also played a key role, scoring 24 points, including 20 in the first half, while helping the Lakers build early separation.
Chicago refused to fade quietly. The Bulls trimmed a 20-point deficit to 81–80 late in the third quarter, but Los Angeles responded with timely shooting and improved defensive pressure, per ESPN. The Lakers shot 56 percent from the field and knocked down 16 of 33 attempts from beyond the arc.
For Chicago, Coby White led the way with 23 points, while Ayo Dosunmu added 20. Nikola Vucevic recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Josh Giddey chipped in 19.
The Bulls, who entered the night riding a four-game winning streak, connected on 18 three-pointers but struggled to slow Los Angeles once the game tightened.
Hayes’ dunk may have broken etiquette, but it also captured the confidence and looseness of a Lakers team finding its rhythm. Los Angeles continues its road trip Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with momentum firmly on its side.