Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes has been suspended for one game for pushing the Wizards mascot before Friday’s road win in Washington.
The league announced Hayes’ punishment on Wednesday.
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The incident occurred during pregame introductions when Wizards’ mascot, G-Wiz, was running off the court during player introductions. As he approaches the Lakers bench, Hayes goes out of his way to drop his shoulder into the much shorter mascot.
While the video cuts out, it appears the mascot if lifted off his feet and hit into the direction of members of the Wizards dancing team, who were running onto the floor.
Hayes will serve his suspension on Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers, when the Lakers kick off their eight-game homestand sandwiched around All-Star weekend (Feb. 13-15).
This is not the first time Hayes has run into issues.
In July of 2021, Los Angeles police were called to Hayes’ home by the cousin of his then-girlfriend, Sofia Jamora, during a domestic dispute.
Once police arrived, bodycam footage showed Hayes in a physical altercation with an officer, wrestling and shoving him. Hayes would later pay the officer $150,000 to cover his injuries, according to a deposition given by the officer.
Hayes was eventually charged with 12 misdemeanors in Los Angeles County, and was ultimately sentenced to three years probation, had to do community service and attend domestic violence classes.
The NBA chose not to suspend, fine or take any disciplinary action against Hayes in the wake of the incident.
The 7-foot Hayes is slated to participate in the Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend.
Hayes has averaged 6.4 points (77.5% shooting) and 3.8 rebounds in 41 games in 2025-26.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
