Vinay Kumar
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has its first confirmed names, and one of them will perform in front of a home crowd. Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant have accepted invitations to compete during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. The event will take place at the Intuit Dome, with the dunk contest scheduled for Feb. 14 as part of the Feb. 13–15 festivities.The announcement adds early clarity to a Saturday night showcase that has searched for fresh energy in recent years. With three-time defending champion Mac McClung reportedly opting out, the 2026 field opens without a reigning favorite. The absence creates space for new faces, new styles, and a different narrative to take shape on one of the league’s biggest stages.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest gains a hometown headliner
Jaxson Hayes enters the NBA Slam Dunk Contest after drawing attention for an in-game between-the-legs dunk against the Chicago Bulls earlier this week. The 7-footer has long been known for his vertical pop, and his recent Eastbay finish brought renewed focus to his athletic range. After that performance, Hayes explained how the move became part of his arsenal.“I mean, I’ve done it a few times in an NBA game before,” Hayes said. “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.”Hayes has recorded 64 dunks through 38 games this season after finishing with a career-high 120 last year. He will become the seventh player in Lakers history to participate in the contest, joining names that include Kobe Bryant, Shannon Brown, Larry Nance Jr., and Dwight Howard. Bryant remains the only Laker to win the event.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest welcomes Spurs rookie Carter Bryant
Bryant, the 14th overall pick in last year’s draft, represents a different profile. The 6-foot-6 rookie is averaging 2.5 points across 35 games for San Antonio, though his selection speaks more to upside and athletic promise than box score production. His inclusion makes him the only confirmed Spurs participant so far.“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,” Shams Charania wrote on X.Without McClung in the mix, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest will crown a new winner. The anticipation in the air as fans are excited to witness fresh performances in the All-Star weekend.
