(Video) Footage of Lakers Star Jaxson Hayes Shoving Wizards Mascot Surfaces After Suspension

Los Angeles Lakers star Jaxson Hayes got suspended for one game for an incident with the Washington Wizards mascot.

(Video) Footage of Lakers Star Jaxson Hayes Shoving Wizards Mascot Surfaces After Suspension

Footage of Jaxson Hayes shoving mascot has gone viral (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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Los Angeles Lakers star Jaxson Hayes has been handed a one-game suspension for one of the most bizarre reasons. The suspension was for pushing the Washington Wizards’ mascot during pregame introductions before their clash at the Capital One Arena on January 30. The Lakers came out on top in convincing fashion with a 142-111 victory.

The Lakers have gone on to play two more games against the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets, with Jaxson Hayes featuring in both games from the bench. Their current record stands at 30-19 as they sit at sixth place in the Western Conference standings and remain in contention for a direct playoff qualification.

This is not the first time Hayes has been involved in an altercation this season. Earlier in the season, the explosive center stepped in for his teammate Luka Doncic and confronted Kris Dunn, which turned into a brawl. Hayes was fine for the incident, but Doncic offered to take care of it for having his back.

The altercation between Hayes and the Wizards’ mascot, G-Wiz, took place when the mascot was performing on the court. As G-Wiz approached the Lakers’ bench, Hayes pushed the mascot with his shoulder. The situation escalated when the mascot collided with a member of the Wizards dance team. The video posted by Bleacher Report on social media gained a lot of attention.

Hayes has not seen too many minutes this season as he plays backup to Deandre Ayton. The 25-year-old was close to leaving the Lakers in the offseason due to his low usage in last season’s playoffs. However, the Lakers signed him to a one-year deal as they do not have much of a luxury and decided to keep Hayes as backup.

NBA fans react to Jaxson Hayes shoving the Wizards’ mascot

The viral video was quick to catch everyone’s attention across social media, and at first glance, it is not a very good look for Hayes. Fortunately, neither G-Wiz nor the dance member suffered any injuries. However, the internet did not waste any time in expressing their opinions.

The Lakers’ long eight-game road trip has come to an end. The one-game suspension means that Hayes will miss the Lakers’ return to home court against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 5.

Jaxson Hayes will be in the NBA Slam Dunk contest

Hayes may not be a very flashy player, but he did grab all the spotlight when the Lakers took on the Chicago Bulls last week. Despite Doncic’s extraordinary performance on the night, Hayes stole the show with one of the dunks of the season.

The center came off the bench and produced an “Eastbay Dunk”, leaving everyone stunned, including his own teammates. Hayes went on to reveal that he expected to miss the dunk in his post-match interview.

Jaxson Hayes
Jaxson Hayes (Image credits – ESPN)

Now, Hayes will have an opportunity to show off his dunking skills in front of a large audience. With the NBA All-Star weekend approaching, Hayes accepted an invitation to compete in this year’s slam dunk contest, per ESPN. NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that Hayes will be contesting along with Carter Bryant.

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant have accepted invitations to the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star weekend in L.A.

Hayes and Bryant are the first two known participants in the dunk contest. Three-time defending champion Mac McClung is not participating. 

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