Jaxson Hayes to Represent Lakers in 2026 Slam Dunk Contest-Joining LeBron and Luka for All-Star Weekend in L.A.
The lights will be even brighter in Los Angeles this All-Star Weekend, and the Lakers are sending a full squad to soak it all in. Center Jaxson Hayes is officially set to compete in the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, joining teammates LeBron James and Luka Dončić in what’s shaping up to be a star-studded few days for the purple and gold.
This year’s All-Star festivities will unfold at the brand-new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, the Clippers’ gleaming new home, as Los Angeles hosts NBA All-Star Weekend for the seventh time. But make no mistake-this weekend, it’s a Laker town once again.
Lakers Well-Represented on All-Star Weekend
Luka Dončić will start in the All-Star Game, a nod to yet another elite season from the Slovenian maestro. LeBron James, meanwhile, continues to defy time and logic, earning his 22nd consecutive All-Star selection-this time as a reserve. That’s not just a record; it’s a legacy that keeps growing.
Now, Jaxson Hayes steps into the spotlight with a different kind of showcase. The 25-year-old big man is set to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest, one of the weekend’s most electric events.
Known for his vertical explosion and rim-rocking finishes, Hayes has long turned heads with his in-game dunks. Now, he gets a national stage to show off the full arsenal.
A Dream Realized
For Hayes, this isn’t just another event-it’s a dream come true.
“For me, I’ve always dreamed of being in the dunk contest,” Hayes said recently. “I was always big into the dunk contest-if you can’t tell by the way I play. So when I got the call, I was definitely down.”
That tracks. Hayes has always played with a kind of high-flying flair that screams dunk contest material.
Whether it’s catching lobs in transition or throwing it down with authority in traffic, his above-the-rim game has been a staple since his college days. Now, he gets to bring that energy to a stage made for showmen.
The Field Is Set
Hayes won’t be flying solo, though. He’ll face stiff competition from some of the league’s up-and-coming leapers.
San Antonio’s Carter Bryant, Miami’s Keshad Johnson, and Orlando’s Jase Richardson round out the field. Each brings their own flavor to the contest-Bryant with his hang-time, Johnson with his power, and Richardson with the kind of dunking DNA that runs in the family.
But in front of a home crowd, Hayes might just have the edge. There’s something about putting on a show in your own backyard, and with the Lakers faithful sure to be in full voice, he’ll have plenty of support when he takes flight.
Mark Your Calendars
The AT&T Slam Dunk Contest is set for Saturday, February 14, as part of NBA All-Star Saturday. Festivities begin at 2 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock.
Between Dončić dazzling in the main event, LeBron extending his All-Star legacy, and Hayes looking to make his mark in the dunk contest, it’s safe to say the Lakers will be front and center all weekend long. And if Hayes brings the kind of energy we’ve seen in flashes throughout the season, he might just leave the Intuit Dome with more than just memories-he could walk away with the trophy.