By JAKE FENNER, US SPORTS WRITER
Published: 17:12 EST, 4 February 2026 | Updated: 17:15 EST, 4 February 2026
Los Angeles Lakers star Jaxson Hayes has been suspended one game for his outburst against the mascot for the Washington Wizards.
The Lakers were playing in the Nation's Capital last Friday when the Wizards' mascot, G-Wiz, ran to the center of the court to wave a giant flag.
During the pre-game introductions, the fuzzy creature ran off the floor with the flag - attempting to deftly avoid the team's cheerleaders.
Instead, Hayes was seen getting up off the bench and shoving the mascot.
G-Wiz then collided with one of the cheerleaders before the video cuts out to a team graphic.
In response, the NBA suspended Hayes for a single game without pay for his actions.
Los Angeles Lakers star Jaxson Hayes was suspended one game for tackling a mascot
He dove at Washington Wizards mascot 'G-Wiz' during the pre-game introductions last Friday
Hayes had 10 points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal off the bench in the 142-11 win over Washington.
He will serve the suspension on Feb. 5 when the Lakers host the Philadelphia 76ers, according to a statement from the NBA.
Hayes is playing on a one-year contract worth just short of $3.45million. After being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks and being instantly traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, he signed with the Lakers in free agency in 2023.
The Texas product has had run-ins with the law before over a domestic violence incident in 2021 between himself and his girlfriend. In the police's response, Hayes shoved an officer into a wall.
He pled no-contest to misdemeanor charges of false imprisonment and resisting an officer and was sentenced to three years' probation, one year of weekly domestic violence classes and community service.
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