LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half of a preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 15, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Mavericks defeated the Lakers 121-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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Without Mac McClung in the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest, there will be a new winner crowned on Saturday night.

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes will get a chance to win the trophy, as he’s set to compete in the event for the first time. Lately, the veteran center has been putting his dunking skills on full display during Lakers games. Soon, the NBA world will see if he has what it takes to win the competition.

Don’t Sleep on Jaxson Hayes in the Dunk Contest

Heading into the event, Hayes isn’t considered the favorite. However, he’s close.

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According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Hayes enters the contest with the second-best odds to win it, with his line set at +240 (lines are subject to change). The only player in front of him is San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant.

Coming out of Arizona, Bryant landed with San Antonio as the 14th overall pick. Unlike Hayes, Bryant hasn’t flashed too much in the dunk department throughout his first NBA season, but his athleticism has won over oddsmakers going into the event.

Beyond Bryant and Hayes, Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat organization and Orlando Magic’s Jase Richardson will be a part of the action.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 15: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum on November 15, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

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Hayes’ Seat in Lakers History

Jaxson Hayes is the seventh player in Lakers history to have a shot at winning the NBA Dunk Contest.

The first was Michael Cooper, who entered in 1984. He was followed by Antonio Harve in 1995. The legendary Kobe Bryant was the youngest Laker in history to be a part of the dunk contest, and he won it all at the time. Bryant remains the last Lakers player to take home the NBA Dunk Contest trophy.

Beyond Bryant, Shannon Brown, Larry Nance Jr., and Dwight Howard were all a part of the action. While Howard was a seasoned dunker, with previous contest experience, he couldn’t take home the trophy at 34, while donning his purple and gold.

Hayes will work on becoming the second Laker to win on Saturday night. The event at the Intuit Dome in California is set to begin at 5 PM ET. The Dunk Contest will follow a handful of events, including the 3-Point Contest and the Shooting Stars competition.

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