Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes is facing renewed scrutiny as the NBA reopens an investigation into a 2021 domestic violence incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Sofia Jamora. The investigation follows the release of previously unseen footage by TMZ, capturing a disturbing confrontation between the 24-year-old NBA player and Jamora. In the footage, Hayes is seen banging on a door, engaging in a heated argument, and escalating the situation by shoving and later spitting on Jamora.
The 2021 incident initially led to Hayes’s arrest after the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a distress call from Jamora. During his arrest, Hayes reportedly resisted and was involved in a physical altercation with officers, leading to an officer being thrown against a wall before Hayes was tased and taken into custody. Following the incident, Hayes pleaded no contest to the charges and received a sentence in 2022, which included three years of probation and 450 hours of community service.
At the time, the NBA monitored the legal proceedings but ultimately chose not to issue additional penalties. However, the emergence of new footage has compelled the league to reassess its position, given its strict stance on domestic violence. The timing is concerning for the Lakers, as Hayes has played a crucial backup role this season, supporting star Anthony Davis.
Hayes signed a two-year, $4.6 million contract with the Lakers in 2023 and has been instrumental in providing defensive minutes off the bench. However, the resurfacing of this case and the accompanying footage have raised serious questions about his immediate future with the team and potential disciplinary action from the NBA.
What’s Next for Hayes and the Lakers?
The NBA’s renewed investigation could lead to severe consequences for Hayes, including a possible suspension. For the Lakers, this poses a potential setback as they rely on Hayes’s depth to keep Davis rested. With the league’s zero-tolerance policy on domestic violence, any findings from the NBA’s investigation could result in swift action against Hayes.
Sources for this article include: LAPD reports, TMZ, and official statements from the NBA.
