Slam Dunk Contest 2026: Jaxson Hayes and Carter Bryant First Confirmed Participants

The lineup for the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest is starting to take shape with the announcement of the first two participants. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant have accepted invitations for the dunk contest taking place during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

The event will be held from February 13-15, 2026 at the brand new Intuit Dome, with the dunk contest scheduled for February 14. This announcement comes after confirmation that Mac McClung, three-time defending contest champion, will not participate in the 2026 edition.

Don’t sleep on Carter Bryant in the NBA Dunk Contest. pic.twitter.com/SBwdGW2w1x

— Kevin Thomas (@KevoPosts) January 29, 2026

Two Complementary Profiles to Revive Interest in the Contest

Jaxson Hayes, 25 years old and standing 7’0″ tall, brings his ultra-athletic big man profile to the contest. This season, the Lakers center is averaging 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game with an impressive 77.3% field goal percentage. Hayes recently made headlines during the victory against the Chicago Bulls with a spectacular between-the-legs dunk in transition, sparking debates about his technique.

« He didn’t go high enough, » commented Jake LaRavia after the game. « The only player who really does it in the league is Obi Toppin. » Luka Dončić then responded that he was doing that move at 13 years old.

Jaxson Hayes with a windmill dunk from the free throw line pic.twitter.com/KNYlJ7S2kC https://t.co/AQ149VyOr7

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 29, 2026

Carter Bryant represents the new generation at 20 years old. Selected 14th overall in the 2025 Draft from the University of Arizona, the Spurs rookie is averaging 2.5 points and 1.7 rebounds in 8.1 minutes per game. Standing 6’7″ tall, Bryant previously participated in the Powerade Jam Fest before the McDonald’s All-American Game in 2024, showcasing his dunking abilities.

The Slam Dunk Contest is looking to reclaim its former glory after several editions deemed disappointing. With Hayes and Bryant, the NBA is banking on a mix of experience and youth to reignite interest in this iconic contest. The final two participants remain to be determined to complete the lineup for this 2026 edition.