Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes Suspended One Game After Shoving Wizards Mascot ‘G-Wiz’
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes was hit with a one-game suspension by the NBA on February 4, 2026, after an unusual altercation with the Washington Wizards’ mascot, G-Wiz during pregame introductions on Jan. 30 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The league announced the punishment on Wednesday, and Hayes will serve the suspension when the Lakers host the Philadelphia 76ers on Feb. 5 in Los Angeles.
The incident occurred before tip-off of the Lakers’ 142-111 victory over the Wizards, when video footage appeared to show Hayes pushing the costumed mascot as G-Wiz ran across the court waving the team’s flag. The shove caused the character to fall and briefly collide with a nearby cheerleader, though reports indicate no serious injuries resulted from the contact.
NBA Issues Suspension Without Pay
In an official release, the NBA stated that Hayes — now 25 years old and serving primarily as a reserve big man for the Lakers — will miss one game without pay for his actions. The league’s decision reflects its strict stance on maintaining professional conduct, even during pregame festivities. Hayes’ suspension will cost him a portion of his salary, as one game forfeited from his contract can total tens of thousands of dollars in lost earnings.
Hayes has been averaging approximately 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds off the bench this season and is also scheduled to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest later this month, a highlight of All-Star Weekend festivities.
What Happened Before the Shove
The push occurred as the Wizards’ mascot was finishing a lively introduction routine and crossing near the Lakers’ bench area. Video and fan posts show the mascot running with a flag when Hayes appeared to make contact, prompting immediate reactions from nearby arena personnel. Social media comments and fan discussion reflect widespread confusion and criticism about the decision to engage physically with a mascot, who is generally considered part of arena entertainment rather than competition.
Many online commentators were baffled at the move, noting the mascot was performing a standard pregame role and that pushing someone in that scenario seemed unnecessary. Some fans speculated Hayes might have misinterpreted the mascot’s motion due to limited space or timing, but others openly criticized his actions as unprofessional for a veteran NBA player.
Lakers and League Context
The Lakers have been navigating a season of ups and downs, and Hayes’ suspension adds a quirky but tangible distraction heading into another stretch of key matchups. While Los Angeles has plenty of star power headlined by LeBron James and Luka Dončić, incidents involving role players can still draw disproportionate attention — especially when they go viral online.
The NBA’s handling of the situation reflects a broader emphasis on maintaining player conduct standards both on and off the court. Mascots, cheerleaders and promotional entertainers are considered part of the game atmosphere, and physical contact with performers is taken seriously, even if unintended.
Public Reaction and Social Commentary
Fans on social platforms were quick to react to the suspension. Some voiced that the punishment was justified, while others questioned whether a one-game ban was too harsh for what appeared to be a quirky, if unnecessary, misstep. Clips and commentary about the push have circulated widely on social media, illustrating how even off-court moments can become major talking points in today’s digitally driven sports culture.
Some threads became humor-laden, with users joking about the legality of shoving mascots or comparing Hayes’ actions to other odd disciplinary moments in NBA history. Regardless of the tone, Hayes’ suspension for such an unusual reason has sparked more debate than many ordinary technical fouls or fines.
What’s Next for Hayes
With the suspension looming, Hayes will sit out one game and watch from the sidelines before returning to action in subsequent matchups. His participation in the upcoming Slam Dunk Contest still appears unaffected, giving fans something to look forward to during All-Star Weekend. How this moment will affect his reputation or future interactions with promotional staff at NBA games remains to be seen, but for now, the league has made it clear that physical contact with anyone outside the realm of play — including mascots — won’t be taken lightly.
