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

The two players will compete in the annual NBA slam dunk competition during All-Star Weekend.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie forward Carter Bryant will participate in the NBA slam dunk contest during All-Star Weekend, ESPN reported. They are the first two known participants in the contest, which has typically featured four players in recent years. Three-time defending champion Mac McClung will not participate this year.

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, who'll make his first appearance in the contest, is a 7-footer who had a between-the-legs dunk in a recent win over the Chicago Bulls. In his seventh NBA season and his third with the Lakers, he is averaging 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Bryant has appeared in 37 games off the bench for San Antonio, averaging 2.5 ppg. He was the 14th overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft.

  • 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.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The full lineup for the NBA slam dunk contest is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

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