Keshad Johnson wins Dunk Contest as Lakers' Jaxson Hayes misses finals

Heat forward's showmanship and theatrics earn him the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest title

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a star-studded NBA All-Star Saturday night showdown at the new Intuit Dome, Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat captured the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest crown with a series of entertaining and creative dunks, while Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers fell just short of advancing to the finals.

Why it matters

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is one of the marquee events of All-Star Weekend, showcasing the league's most athletic and acrobatic players. Johnson's victory highlights the importance of showmanship and theatrics in captivating the crowd, while Hayes' near-miss in front of his hometown fans underscores the pressure and expectations that come with competing in this high-profile event.

The details

In the first round, Johnson wowed the crowd with a dunk where he leapt over rapper E-40 and finished with authority. Meanwhile, Hayes struggled with his dunks, earning low scores from the judges. Though Hayes advanced to the second round, he ultimately missed the finals by just one point. The finals came down to Johnson and Carter Bryant of the Spurs, with Johnson's creative and entertaining dunks earning him the title.

  • The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest took place on Saturday, February 15, 2026 at the new Intuit Dome.
  • Johnson's standout dunk over E-40 occurred in the first round of the competition.

The players

Keshad Johnson

A forward for the Miami Heat who won the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest with a series of entertaining and acrobatic dunks, including one where he leapt over rapper E-40.

Jaxson Hayes

A center for the Los Angeles Lakers who competed in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest in front of his hometown fans, but fell just short of advancing to the finals.

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What they’re saying

“I give all the glory to God. Always believe in yourself.”

— Keshad Johnson (The California Post)

What’s next

The NBA will look to build on the excitement and theatrics of the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest, with the event likely to remain a marquee part of future All-Star Weekend festivities.

The takeaway

Keshad Johnson's victory in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest showcased the importance of showmanship and creativity in captivating the crowd, even in the face of more technically proficient dunks. His performance proved that the Slam Dunk Contest remains a platform for players to showcase their athleticism and personality.