The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has officially secured its first participants for the 2026 edition, setting the stage for an exciting showcase during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant have both accepted invitations to compete, bringing fresh energy to the event.
Hometown Hero Jaxson Hayes Takes Center Stage
Jaxson Hayes, the 7-foot center for the Los Angeles Lakers, will have the unique opportunity to perform in front of a home crowd at the Intuit Dome. The dunk contest is scheduled for February 14, 2026, as part of the broader festivities from February 13 to 15. Hayes recently garnered attention for executing an impressive between-the-legs dunk during a game against the Chicago Bulls, highlighting his exceptional athleticism.
Reflecting on his dunking prowess, Hayes shared insights into how he developed his signature moves. "I mean, I've done it a few times in an NBA game before," Hayes explained. "Really, I just started doing it my sophomore year. You're a kid, you're in the garage, in the driveway on like the small hoop and you just try a bunch of dunks. I remember just trying it in like middle school and stuff and then I got to like my sophomore year, junior year of high school when I was actually dunking and I was like, let me try it real quick and got it. So now I've just been doing it."
This season, Hayes has recorded 64 dunks in 38 games, following a career-high 120 dunks last year. He will become the seventh player in Lakers history to participate in the contest, joining legendary names such as Kobe Bryant, Shannon Brown, Larry Nance Jr., and Dwight Howard. Notably, Kobe Bryant remains the only Laker to have won the event.
Rookie Sensation Carter Bryant Joins the Fray
Carter Bryant, the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, brings a different dynamic to the contest. The 6-foot-6 rookie from the San Antonio Spurs is averaging 2.5 points across 35 games this season. His selection for the dunk contest emphasizes his untapped potential and athletic promise rather than his current statistical output. Bryant is the only confirmed participant from the Spurs so far, adding an element of intrigue to the competition.
A New Era for the Slam Dunk Contest
The announcement provides early clarity for a Saturday night showcase that has been seeking revitalization in recent years. With three-time defending champion Mac McClung reportedly opting out, the 2026 field opens without a reigning favorite. This absence creates an opportunity for new faces and innovative styles to emerge on one of the NBA's grandest stages.
NBA insider Shams Charania confirmed the news on social media, stating, "Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant have accepted invitations to the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star weekend in L.A., sources tell ESPN."
As the event approaches, anticipation builds among fans eager to witness fresh performances and a new champion crowned. The NBA Slam Dunk Contest promises to deliver high-flying excitement and memorable moments during the All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
