Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes to Compete in All-Star Dunk Contest Next Week
Jaxson Hayes, center for the Los Angeles Lakers, will compete in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend. The league announced his participation on Saturday morning, confirming his place among an exciting lineup.
Impressive Performance Leads to Dunk Contest Invitation
Hayes earned his spot after an outstanding dunk during a game on January 26 against the Chicago Bulls. He demonstrated remarkable athleticism with an East Bay between-the-legs dunk during a fast break, helping the Lakers secure a 14-point lead and ultimately win the game.
Competition Details
The dunk contest will take place next Saturday at the Intuit Dome. Hayes, at just 25 years old, will join three other first-time competitors:
- Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs)
- Keshad Johnson (Miami Heat)
- Jace Richardson (Orlando Magic)
Interestingly, former champion Mac McClung, who has won the last three contests, will not participate this year.
Season Performance Overview
In the current NBA season, Hayes has been contributing solidly to the Lakers, averaging 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He plays approximately 17.4 minutes per game and has appeared in 41 out of 50 games this season.
Recent Suspension
Despite his strong performance, Hayes faced a one-game suspension for pushing the Washington Wizards mascot during a pre-game incident. He missed the game against the Philadelphia 76ers but is expected to return against the Golden State Warriors this Saturday.
Fans will eagerly anticipate his performance in the All-Star Dunk Contest, where he can showcase his skills on a larger stage.
