Jaxson Hayes Set to Represent Lakers in Slam Dunk Contest, Aims to Bring the Fun Back
For the first time since the 2019-20 season, the Los Angeles Lakers will have a representative in the Slam Dunk Contest-and it’s a high-flying big man looking to make a statement. Jaxson Hayes is stepping into the spotlight at NBA All-Star Weekend, becoming the sixth Laker ever to participate in the event.
The last Laker to do it? That was Dwight Howard during his brief return to L.A., though he didn’t make it past the opening round.
Now it’s Hayes’ turn, and he’s chasing a rare piece of franchise history. Despite the Lakers’ storied legacy, only one player-Kobe Bryant-has ever won the Slam Dunk Contest in purple and gold. Hayes is hoping to become just the second.
But for Hayes, this isn’t just about trophies or legacy. It’s about bringing the energy back to an event that’s been under the microscope in recent years.
The Slam Dunk Contest, once the crown jewel of All-Star Saturday night, has seen its shine fade a bit. Fans, media, and even players have questioned whether the contest still holds the same weight it once did.
Hayes gets it. But he’s not worried about the noise. He’s focused on the fun.
“I just want to bring as much joy and life back to this contest,” Hayes said during his media availability. “Me and the guys were talking about it-we just want to make it a show. Just try to bring the dunk contest back in the best way we can, just all go out and have fun, and just make it enjoyable for people watching.”
That mindset isn’t just talk. Hayes has been delivering highlight-reel dunks all season long, often finishing lobs in style. He’s become a regular target for Luka Doncic, and the chemistry between the two has produced some jaw-dropping moments.
But the dunk that really turned heads came against the Chicago Bulls on January 26. That’s when Hayes threw down a clean Eastbay dunk-a between-the-legs slam in live-game action that sent the arena into a frenzy.
And it wasn’t planned. It was a response.
Earlier in that same game, Hayes had a fastbreak opportunity and opted for a simple two-hand dunk-no flair, no rim hang. His teammates weren’t impressed.
“My teammates were making fun of me earlier in the game,” Hayes recalled. “I had a fastbreak and I just did a simple two-hand dunk. . . didn’t hang on the rim or anything, just dropped it in.
Everyone was booing me, they were all messing with me. I got a steal later in the game and I was just remembering the guys booing me and making fun of me earlier so I was like, ‘alright, I’ll do something.’”
That “something” turned into one of the best in-game dunks of the season-and a preview of what Hayes might bring to the All-Star stage.
Beyond the dunks, Hayes has quietly been one of the Lakers’ most reliable contributors this season. He’s played in 45 games, including seven starts, and is averaging 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in just over 17 minutes per game. He’s also shooting a blistering 77.2 percent from the field-largely thanks to his ability to finish above the rim with authority.
But it’s not just the numbers. It’s the energy. Hayes brings it every night, whether he’s running the floor, crashing the glass, or giving the crowd something to cheer about with one of his signature slams.
Now, he gets the chance to do it on one of the biggest stages in the sport. The Slam Dunk Contest might not be what it once was-but if Hayes has his way, it’s about to get a whole lot more fun.