Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant have accepted invitations to compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. The event, set for February 14 at the Intuit Dome, will feature these two as the first confirmed participants, according to reports from ESPN. Three-time winner Mac McClung will not take part this year.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, scheduled for February 13-15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, promises a fresh look for its Saturday night events, including the Slam Dunk Contest on February 14 at 4 p.m. local time. Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, a 7-foot veteran known for his athletic dunks, recently executed a between-the-legs slam during a fastbreak against the Chicago Bulls. This season, Hayes averages 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Spurs rookie Carter Bryant, selected 14th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Arizona, brings youthful energy to the contest. In his first NBA season, the 20-year-old has appeared in 37 games, averaging 2.5 points and 1.7 rebounds in 8.1 minutes per game. This marks Bryant's debut at All-Star Weekend.
As of January 29, 2026, no additional participants have been announced. Notably absent is Mac McClung, who claimed victory in the previous three contests but was waived by the Indiana Pacers in November 2025 after a brief three-game stint. McClung, a G League standout and recent MVP with the Osceola Magic, built his reputation through elite dunking despite limited NBA minutes. Last year, he defeated Spurs guard Stephon Castle in the final round.
The weekend builds toward the 75th NBA All-Star Game, featuring a new format and first-time starter Victor Wembanyama for the Spurs. Other events include the Castrol Rising Stars Game with Castle, fellow rookie Dylan Harper, and G Leaguer David Jones Garcia.
