ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday Los Angeles Lakers center Jackson Hayes Invitation has been accepted to participate in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. This will be the first time Hayes will show off his dunk to fans on All-Star Saturday night.

Along with Hayes, san antonio spurs Rookie Carter Bryant was also announced as the event’s second entrant. So far, only two players, Hayes and Bryant, have been confirmed.

After the news broke, fans were excited to see Hayes show off his dunk. Here are some of the things fans are saying.

“I’ll be there when Jaxon becomes the second Laker to win the dunk contest🫡,” one fan said.

“Jax is winning it all,” Another fan commented.

“Haha Hayes? Not after I saw him dunk earlier this week 😭😭” one fan said.

Other fans weren’t too excited about the event after seeing the first two confirmed names.

“Oh my God, call Selden Sharp,” someone commented.

@TheHoopCentral @ShamsCharania OMG call Shayden Sharp.

“The dunk contest used to be fun,” One comment has been read.

“This is one of the worst NBA slam dunk contests ever 😭” One fan commented.

The Lakers center teased what kind of dunks he could pull off during Monday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. Jackson Hayes stole the ball from guard Josh Guidy and rose to dunk for East Bay. Hayes’ dunk excited his team and the moment went viral.

As a 7-foot big man, Hayes may be one of the tallest players in the tournament. The Lakers center is tied with Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Klingen for 20th in dunks this season. According to Basketball Reference, both big men completed 64 dunks.

Meanwhile, the Spurs’ Kobe Bryant only completed four dunks.

Jackson Hayes can captivate the crowd with his dunks

For those who have followed Jaxon Hayes’ career closely, it’s no secret that the big man hasn’t been shy about showcasing his skills. Even as a high school player in Ohio, Hayes knew how to get fans on their feet. The big man’s creativity was highlighted when he nailed a windmill dunk at the free throw line during a dunk contest as a senior.

His dunks won dunk contests at a young age.

He strives to showcase his aerial prowess in the NBA whenever possible. His East Bay dunk against the Bulls wasn’t his first. Back in April 2024, he did it same dunk During the regular season against the Toronto Raptors.

Fans are looking forward to Jaxson Hayes’ performance on February 14th.