Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes sat out Thursday night’s victory over the Philadelphia 76ers while serving a one-game suspension issued by the NBA for his altercation with the Washington Wizards’ mascot last Friday.
Head coach JJ Redick addressed the situation before tipoff, stating that Hayes “made an error in judgment,” accepted responsibility and apologized. “Hopefully this is a learning opportunity for him,” Redick said.
The league disciplined Hayes under its policy governing player interactions with non-athletes, a rule that has carried heightened penalties since the 2004 incident at Detroit’s Palace of Auburn Hills. Hayes did not appeal the decision and completed the suspension Thursday.
Los Angeles compensated for the missing backup big man with one of Maxi Kleber’s strongest performances of the season off Redick’s bench, securing the win over Philadelphia. Hayes is expected to rejoin the lineup Saturday when the Lakers host the Golden State Warriors.
Redick Welcomes Luke Kennard
Redick also commented on the team’s lone trade-deadline addition, sharpshooter Luke Kennard, acquired from the Atlanta Hawks for guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round draft pick. Calling Kennard “one of the best shooters in the NBA,” Redick said he plans to encourage the Duke University product to increase his shot volume. “He’ll be a corner threat and an off-ball threat, and we’re excited to have him,” the coach added.
Source: Lakers Nation
