Exciting Announcement for the NBA Slam Dunk Contest
In an exciting announcement, Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers and Carter Bryant from the San Antonio Spurs are set to showcase their aerial skills in the upcoming NBA Slam Dunk Contest scheduled for February 14, 2026, during the All-Star Weekend. This news was revealed by ESPN insider Shams Charania.
Jaxson Hayes: A Season to Remember
At 25 years old, Hayes is having a commendable season, averaging 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds while maintaining an impressive shooting percentage of 77.3% in his seventh year in the league. His journey in the NBA began with the New Orleans Pelicans before he joined the Lakers three years ago. Hayes has become a frequent recipient of incredible alley-oops, particularly from star players such as LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
One of Hayes’ recent standout moments included a spectacular dunk on a fast break against the Chicago Bulls. He executed a flashy Eastbay dunk after a steal, which sparked a debate among teammates regarding its height within the realm of in-game dunks. Lakers guard Jake LaRavia commented,
“He didn’t get that high,”
referencing the above-the-rim finesse generally seen from other elite dunkers, specifically mentioning Obi Toppin as the only player currently in the league who regularly achieves such a feat. Luka Dončić, although off camera during the discussion, chimed in, reminiscing about his own youthful achievements in performing the same dunk.
Carter Bryant: The Rising Rookie
On the other hand, Carter Bryant, the 20-year-old rookie, is still finding his footing in the NBA, contributing 2.5 points and 1.7 rebounds in approximately 8.1 minutes per game. He recently had a breakout performance against the Utah Jazz, scoring a career-high 11 points along with two blocks and a steal. Selected as the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after a standout season at the University of Arizona, Bryant’s notable pre-NBA performances include participation in the 2024 Powerade Jam Fest prior to the illustrious McDonald’s All-American game.
Looking Ahead to the Contest
While Hayes and Bryant gear up for their contest participation, the full roster of contestants remains undisclosed. Notably, three-time reigning champion Mac McClung has already opted out of this year’s competition, leaving the door open for new challengers to make their mark and possibly claim the title.
