Los Angeles Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant have been confirmed as participants in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, a marquee event of this year’s All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, sources told ESPN and league insiders.
The announcement marks the first publicized entries for the high-flying showcase, which is set for Feb. 14 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California as part of the NBA’s Feb. 13-15 festivities.
Hayes Brings Size, Athleticism to the Court
Hayes, a 7-foot centre in his seventh NBA season and third with the Lakers, will make his first appearance in the dunk contest. Known around the league for his remarkable athleticism — and a recent highlight-reel between-the-legs jam in a Lakers win — Hayes has given fans plenty of reasons to get excited about his inclusion.
At 25 years old, Hayes is averaging 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game this season, primarily off the bench. His combination of size and leaping ability makes him a rare type of dunker: a big man capable of explosive, creative rim threats usually seen from smaller players.
Lakers supporters will likely see Hayes as a hometown favourite during the contest. Strong performances in the dunk competition have historically boosted players’ profiles — and the inclusion of a 7-footer with genuine verticality adds an intriguing twist to this year’s field.
Spurs’ Bryant: A Rookie Wildcard
Joining Hayes will be Carter Bryant, a 20-year-old rookie forward out of the University of Arizona and the No. 14 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. While Bryant’s season numbers — roughly 2.5 points per game in limited minutes — may not leap off the stat sheet, his athletic potential and flair for highlight plays have garnered attention.
Bryant’s dunk chops have been a topic of conversation throughout his first year, reflective of both his upside and learning curve. Fans have witnessed a mix of emphatic slams and occasional misses — the latter becoming part of his early-career narrative.
Whether that inconsistency becomes an asset in a dunk contest setting — where bold creativity can sometimes trump precision — remains to be seen. For Bryant, this opportunity represents a chance to make a splash on one of the NBA’s brightest stages early in his career.
A Contest Without Its Champion
Notably absent from this year’s dunk contest is three-time defending champion Mac McClung, who has opted not to participate. McClung’s electrifying performances have been a highlight of recent All-Star Saturdays, setting a high bar with his athleticism and crowd-pleasing stunts.
With McClung out of the picture, the door is wide open for fresh faces to claim dunk glory. Historically, the absence of a dominant figure can make the contest more unpredictable and entertaining, giving underdogs like Hayes and Bryant a chance to thrive.
What’s Next for the Dunk Contest
At this stage, Hayes and Bryant are the only confirmed participants; the dunk contest traditionally features four competitors. The NBA has yet to announce the remaining roster, leaving room for surprise entries and strategic selections in the coming weeks.
NBA All-Star Weekend, one of the league’s most celebrated events, combines on-court competition with fan engagement and off-court festivities. The dunk contest has long been one of its most anticipated spectacles, showcasing gravity-defying creativity and athletic bravado.
Experts view this year’s contest as a chance for rebirth and reinvigoration: without the familiar presence of McClung, new entrants could reshape expectations and deliver moments that energize fans.
Context and Fan Reaction
Hayes’ selection resonates with Lakers fans, who have celebrated his aerial finishes and highlight plays throughout the season. In particular, his Eastbay-style dunk against the Chicago Bulls has been a talking point among pundits and supporters alike.
On the Spurs side, Bryant’s inclusion adds to a growing narrative surrounding his potential. His energy, agility and occasional flashes of slam-dunk prowess have made him a compelling, if unpredictable, candidate for one of the league’s most entertaining contests.
Social media reactions reflect this mix of excitement and skepticism: some fans are bullish on Hayes’ chances to wow the crowd, while others are eager to see how Bryant’s raw talent translates on an All-Star stage.
Looking Ahead
As the rest of the dunk contest field comes into focus, expectations will build for what has historically been one of the most televised and talked-about moments of All-Star Weekend. Both Hayes and Bryant now have the platform to elevate their profiles and showcase their athletic gifts to a global audience.
With the event less than three weeks away, speculation will continue about who else might join the pair and what form the competition will take. For now, though, the league and its fans have their first dynamic duo set for what promises to be an exciting return to Slam Dunk contest action.
