Jaxson Hayes Returns from Suspension, Helps Lakers Top Warriors in Tight Win
Jaxson Hayes was back in the mix for the Lakers on Saturday night, logging 20 solid minutes in a 105-99 win over the Golden State Warriors. It was his first game back after serving a one-game suspension for an unusual pregame incident involving the Washington Wizards’ mascot, G-Wiz.
The moment-which took place during introductions ahead of the Lakers’ blowout win over Washington-quickly made the rounds on social media. Though the mascot wasn’t injured, the NBA handed down a one-game suspension without pay, making it clear that physical altercations with game-day personnel, even mascots, aren’t going to fly.
Jaxson Hayes apologized to his teammates and the Wizards mascot for the incident leading to a one-game suspension. However, he explained that the shove was prompted by his foot being stepped on by the mascot. pic.twitter.com/vXHPsxG4RY
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 8, 2026
After the win over Golden State, Hayes addressed the situation head-on.
“Obviously apologized to the team, to the mascot,” Hayes said. “We're all trying to get ourselves in the mental space and the 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. Should have handled it a different way, and we live, and we learn, and so just going to keep doing that again.”
Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed Hayes had apologized internally and called it a learning opportunity. It’s a moment that could’ve become a distraction, but instead, Hayes and the team seem intent on moving forward.
And on Saturday, Hayes did just that.
With Deandre Ayton sidelined due to right knee soreness and Luka Doncic still nursing a hamstring injury, the Lakers needed frontcourt minutes-and Hayes delivered. He went 3-of-4 from the field for six points, added four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and a block. It wasn’t a stat-sheet stuffer, but it was the kind of steady, low-maintenance contribution that helps stabilize rotations when depth is being tested.
Through 42 games this season, Hayes is averaging 6.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and shooting an ultra-efficient 77.5% from the field. He’s not a high-usage player, but he’s been effective in his role-finishing plays, running the floor, and providing rim protection in limited minutes.
He’s also set to showcase his athleticism on a bigger stage soon, having been selected to compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest on February 14. Given his above-the-rim game, that’s one event fans will want to keep an eye on.
The league’s decision to suspend Hayes underscores a broader message from NBA leadership-led by executive VP James Jones-that physical contact with game-day staff, regardless of intent, is off-limits. It’s rare to see a player-mascot interaction cross the line, but the league acted quickly to set a precedent.
Hayes has had off-court issues in the past, including a 2021 arrest and subsequent sentencing in 2022, but the league has not imposed any additional discipline related to those matters. For now, the focus remains on the court-and Hayes is doing his part to keep it that way.
With the win over Golden State, the Lakers improved to 32-19, holding steady in fifth place in the Western Conference and just one game back of the third-place Nuggets. It’s a tight race at the top, and every win matters. The Lakers will look to keep that momentum rolling when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Tip-off is set for 10 PM ET.