In one of the more unusual disciplinary rulings of the 2025-26 NBA season, Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has been suspended one game without pay for pushing “G-Wiz,” the mascot for the Washington Wizards. The league office announced the penalty on Wednesday following a review of the incident, which took place during pre-game introductions on January 30 at Capital One Arena.
The altercation occurred just before tip-off while the Wizards’ mascot was performing a routine. According to video footage reviewed by league officials, G-Wiz was running along the sideline waving a large team flag when he passed the Lakers’ bench. As the mascot neared, Hayes appeared to intentionally lower his shoulder and shove the mascot off his path. The force of the contact sent the mascot stumbling, causing him to ricochet into a member of the Wizards’ dance team who was entering the court.
While no injuries were reported to either the mascot or the dancer, the NBA deemed the physical contact unnecessary and unprofessional.
Jaxson Hayes’ shove of G-Wiz was no laughing matter
Hayes will serve his suspension on Thursday night when the Lakers host the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena. The one-game ban will cost the 25-year-old center approximately $19,824 in lost wages.
The incident overshadowed a dominant performance by the Lakers that evening, who went on to defeat Washington 142-111. Hayes played 14 minutes off the bench in that contest, contributing 10 points and three rebounds.
Mascot interactions are usually lighthearted moments in the NBA, often involving playful banter or staged skits. However, the league has maintained a strict stance against non-consensual physical contact involving players and team staff, including performers.
Jaxson Hayes is averaging 6.4 points per game in 41 games this season. He will be participating in the upcoming Slam Dunk Contest. Hayes has not yet issued a public statement regarding the suspension.
