Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has been suspended for one game by the NBA for a very bizarre reason.
The NBA said in a statement Wednesday that Hayes will serve a suspension for “pushing a Washington Wizards mascot during pre-game introductions” prior to the Lakers’ Jan. 30 game in Washington. Hayes will serve the suspension on Thursday.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/l5eKjuBZLQ
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 4, 2026
Dan Woike of The Athletic confirmed, however, that Wizards mascot G-Wiz was not injured.
Sources tell me, actually, that G-Wiz, the Wizards mascot, was not injured after the incident with Hayes that led to the suspension.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 4, 2026
Video of the incident shows G-Wiz carrying a huge Wizards flag during pregame introductions before getting decked by Hayes, who was crouching on the sideline.
Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductions
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 4, 2026
Hayes has been suspended for one game, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/x4xz2Ndw2I
Obviously, this is as strange a reason for a suspension as you are likely to see, especially since there are some other guys that have gotten away with it. Clearly, the NBA felt that something about this incident warranted a significant punishment.
Hayes has been a key reserve for the Lakers this season, averaging 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds off the bench. As for G-Wiz, the mascot can take solace that it could have been a lot worse for him.
