Lakers' Jaxson Hayes, Spurs' Carter Bryant Chosen for Dunk Contest

The two players will compete in the annual NBA All-Star Weekend event.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie forward Carter Bryant have been selected to participate in the NBA slam dunk contest during All-Star Weekend, ESPN reported. Hayes, a 7-footer, will be making his first appearance in the contest, while Bryant was the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Why it matters

The NBA slam dunk contest is a highly anticipated event during All-Star Weekend, showcasing the league's most athletic and creative players. Hayes and Bryant's inclusion in the contest will generate excitement among fans and provide an opportunity for the young players to showcase their skills on a national stage.

The details

Hayes, in his seventh NBA season and third with the Lakers, is averaging 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. He had a between-the-legs dunk in a recent win over the Chicago Bulls. Bryant has appeared in 37 games off the bench for the Spurs, averaging 2.5 points per game.

  • The dunk contest will be held on February 14, 2026, in Inglewood, California, one day before the NBA All-Star Game.

The players

Jaxson Hayes

A center for the Los Angeles Lakers who will be making his first appearance in the NBA slam dunk contest.

Carter Bryant

A rookie forward for the San Antonio Spurs who was the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

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What’s next

The NBA has not yet announced the full lineup for the 2026 slam dunk contest, but Hayes and Bryant are the first two confirmed participants.

The takeaway

The inclusion of Jaxson Hayes and Carter Bryant in the NBA slam dunk contest will provide an opportunity for these young players to showcase their athleticism and creativity on a national stage, further building excitement for the annual All-Star Weekend event.