Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Lakers Coach JJ Redick Addresses Jaxson Hayes Punishment

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 9:23 PM ET

JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers’ frontcourt will be shorthanded against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. This is after the NBA issued a one-game suspension on center Jaxson Hayes for an incident against the Washington Wizards.

The league announced on Wednesday that the 7-foot big man will be suspended for Thursday’s game against the Sixers. Hayes was punished for pushing the Wizards mascot during pre-game introductions of the Lakers’ 142-111 win over Washington on Jan. 30.

Hayes will be suspended without pay for one game. This means that starting center Deandre Ayton will likely take on a heavier load. More minutes could also be available for Drew Timme and Maxi Kleber.

Los Angeles Lakers center/forward Jaxson Hayes (11) during warm ups before the game.Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Redick spoke to reporters before the 76ers game. The Lakers coach issued a blunt statement on Hayes’ incident.

“He made an error in judgment and he owned up to it and apologized,” Redick said, via NBA reporter Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

Redick did not play down Hayes’ offense. The second-year Lakers coach did not make a big deal out of it either with his brief comment.

Hayes should be back in the lineup for L.A.’s next game. They will return to action on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers will host Steph Curry (if he’s available) and Co. in Crypto.com Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.

The Lakers head into Thursday’s game with a 30-19 record. They are looking to secure their second straight win after defeating the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, 125-109. Thursday’s matchup is L.A.’s first home game after an extended eight-game road trip.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: