Jaxson Hayes’ recent altercation clip with Jabari Smith Jr. has gone viral on social media. The first game of the LA Lakers-Houston Rockets first-round matchup was full of heat, and the Lakeshow began with hustle plays and defensive tenacity, even without key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. In a video, the Lakers’ backup center was seen in a heated moment while at the team bench, and fans brutally trolled him for showing anger.
A YouTube streamer, YourRAGE, who was sitting courtside in Game 1, overheared the conversation between Hayes and his teammates and posted the video on social media. A user shared the clip and wrote:
“YourRAGE overheard Lakers Center Jaxson Hayes saying he’s going to hit Jabari Smith Jr. while courtside
“I’m gonna hit Jabari Smith in the face yall hear it, ima smack the f*ck out of him””
Hayes has been in controversy after he was involved in a high-profile domestic feud with his girlfriend, Sofia Jamora, in 2021. The two were seen in a physical altercation, and the video went viral on social media. The NBA launched an investigation into the matter, but nothing fruitful came out, and Hayes continued playing in the league.
Fans quickly connected that controversy to the incident, as one wrote:
“Nah he all talk he only hits his girlfriend”
Another user commented in a similar tone and wrote:
“Yall laughing but niggas that hit on women never keep the same energy with a male guarantee he never was going to do anything”
One more user trolled the 7-foot center in the comments and wrote:
“Jaxson Hayes wouldn’t do shit. He only hits women and complains and cries when responsibility hits his front door. F**k boy f**k you”
Another user delivered their verdict in the feud between Smith Jr. and Hayes and wrote:
“Jaxson Hayes knows he’d get folded like an omelette if he tried to hit Bari”
Hayes put up four points and one rebound in 13 minutes off the bench. Meanwhile, starting center Deandre Ayton had a tremendous effort behind the team’s 107-98 win in Game 1. He posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Amid Jaxson Hayes’ altercation, Luke Kennard shines in the Lakers’ Game 1 win
The Lakers had the best start to their postseason they could have hoped for in the first round. Without their superstar prowess, the team registered a win against the Rockets, who were playing without Kevin Durant. The odds felt balanced with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves missing, but the Lakers came prepared.
The team took charge from the start and never lifted off the offensive throttle, with LeBron James facilitating the offense (13 assists) and scoring 19 points and eight rebounds.
Kennard, who is a traditional wing, showed more than what was expected of him. He shot from the paint in pick and rolls, was perfect from 3-point range, and often surprised the defense with his court vision and presence on the floor. He led the team with 27 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Game 2 is scheduled for April 21 at 7:30 PDT.
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