Jaxson Hayes Exits Early in 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at Intuit Dome
jaxson-hayes-eliminated-early-2026-nba-slam-dunk-contest
The 2026 NBA All-Star Saturday Night brought hometown interest to Intuit Dome in Inglewood, where Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes entered the Slam Dunk Contest but did not advance beyond the opening rounds.
Hayes joined a field that included Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs, Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic and Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat. The judging panel featured former dunk champions Brent Barry, Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson and Dominique Wilkins.
Taking the floor last in the first round, Hayes attempted a free-throw-line jam but left from just inside the stripe, earning a 44.6 from the judges—fourth among the four competitors.
Opening Round 2, the 7-footer tossed the ball to himself, went between the legs and finished with one hand. The effort received a 47.2, bringing his two-dunk total to 91.8. The score placed him ahead of Richardson (88.8) but behind Bryant (94.8) and Johnson (92.8), leaving Hayes outside the top two and out of the final.
In the championship round, Johnson secured the trophy after Bryant faltered on his second attempt.
The appearance fulfilled a long-held goal for Hayes, who told reporters beforehand that competing in the dunk contest had been a childhood dream and that he accepted the invitation as soon as it arrived.
Source: Lakers Nation
