Jaxson Hayes Is Bringing His High-Flying Game to the Slam Dunk Contest-and Lakers Fans Should Be Excited
NBA All-Star Weekend is always a spectacle-equal parts celebration and showcase. And while the All-Star Game headlines the festivities, the Slam Dunk Contest remains one of the weekend’s most iconic events. This year, it’s getting a jolt of energy from a player who’s been waiting his whole life for this moment: Jaxson Hayes.
The Lakers big man is officially set to compete in the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest, marking his first appearance in the event. And for Hayes, it’s not just another weekend gig-it’s a dream realized.
“I’ve always dreamed of being in the dunk contest,” Hayes said after the Lakers’ recent win over the Warriors. “That’s something you do as a kid. I mean, obviously like making it to the NBA, being an All-Star and stuff like that, but like for me, I was always big into the dunk contest... when I got that call, I was definitely down.”
You don’t have to watch much Lakers basketball to know that Hayes lives above the rim. He’s thrown down 75 dunks this season-good for 19th in the league-and that number becomes even more impressive when you realize he’s made just 46 field goals that weren’t dunks. In other words, if Hayes is scoring, there’s a good chance it’s happening with authority.
Coming off the bench, Hayes has carved out a niche as the Lakers’ energy guy. His rim-running, lob-catching, and shot-blocking have made him a fan favorite in Los Angeles-and now he’s set to electrify a national audience.
And while the All-Star Game is being held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, home of the Clippers, Hayes will still be repping the purple and gold in his home market. Expect the crowd to be firmly in his corner.
If you’re wondering what kind of flair Hayes might bring to the contest, just rewind to a game earlier this season against the Bulls. Hayes took the ball coast-to-coast and capped the play with a jaw-dropping East Bay Funk Dunk-a move that had the bench on its feet and the crowd buzzing. That kind of creativity and explosiveness is exactly what the dunk contest thrives on.
And this isn’t his first rodeo when it comes to dunk competitions. Back in high school, Hayes took home the title at the Ohio-Kentucky All-Star Game Dunk Contest, where he wowed the crowd with a windmill from the free throw line. That kind of pedigree suggests he’s not just showing up-he’s showing out.
The NBA got this one right. Hayes isn’t just a high-flyer-he’s someone who genuinely wants to be in the Slam Dunk Contest, and that passion matters.
Too often, the event has lacked star power or creativity. Hayes brings both, along with a sense of joy that should resonate with fans.
And if he can take home the trophy? He’d join some exclusive company.
Kobe Bryant remains the only Laker to ever win the Slam Dunk Contest. Adding Hayes to that list would be a special moment-not just for him, but for a Lakers fanbase that’s watched him thrive in his role all season long.
So when the lights go up and the dunks start flying, keep your eyes on No. 11.
Jaxson Hayes has been dreaming about this moment for years. Now, he’s ready to make it unforgettable.