Lakers center Jaxson Hayes explained that he pushed the Washington Wizards mascot because, while trying to get into the right mental and physical space before the game, the person stepped on his foot, and he lost his temper.
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes returned to action on Saturday night after serving a one-game suspension, contributing six points and four rebounds in a 105-99 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
Hayes had been suspended without pay for pushing the Washington Wizards' mascot during pre-game introductions in the Lakers' 142-111 victory over the Wizards on Jan. 30 at Capital One Arena. He served his suspension on Thursday against the Sixers.
Following the incident, Hayes apologized to both his teammates and the mascot. He now explained what really happened.
"I obviously apologized to the team and to the mascot," Hayes said. "I mean, we all try to get ourselves into a mental space and a physical space to get ready to go out and play a game. And when, somehow, I'm stretching, and somebody steps on my foot.
"I might have lost it and should have handled it a different way," the big man added. "We live, and we learn. And so, just going to keep doing that."
G-Wiz was not injured during the incident.
This season, Hayes is averaging 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds and is set to compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest on Feb. 14.
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