Jaxon Hayes suspended 1 game after pushing the Wizards mascot
When is it Los Angeles Lakers return home from their eight-game road trip Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers, it will be short in the front field. Backup big man Jackson Hayes was suspended by the NBA for one game after apparently shoving the mascot during the Lakers’ game against the Washington Wizards on January 30.
With Jaxon Hayes suspended for the Lakers’ game against the 76ers, that likely means contracted big man Drew Timme is in line for more playing time. Timme has been used more often by head coach JJ Redick in recent weeks, especially as part of a two-man lineup.
After re-signing with the Lakers in the offseason, Hayes has been among the team’s most consistent players this season with his energy and effort from the bench. He also played well as a starter in the games Deandre Ayton missed. Hayes was also recently selected to participate in the Dunk Contest as part of the NBA All-Star weekend.
He appeared in 41 total games, including four starts, with just over 17 minutes per game. He averaged 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 77.5 percent from the field and 64.9 percent from the free throw line.
Hayes is in his third year with the Lakers after signing as a free agent ahead of the 2023-24 season. He filled in well as the starting center last year amid the departure of Anthony Davis, but ended up being benched during the Lakers’ first-round playoff elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
2026-02-04 20:13:00
