NBA dunk contest tonight in LA with Hayes, Bryant, Johnson, Richardson

Four rising NBA stars collide in Los Angeles tonight for the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, and Carter Bryant arrives as the betting favorite. The San Antonio Spurs wing enters at +180 odds, but Lakers center Jaxson Hayes poses a serious threat with his explosive athleticism.

The Field Takes Shape in Los Angeles

Tonight’s dunk contest features four emerging talents seeking to etch their names in All-Star history. Carter Bryant of the Spurs, Jaxson Hayes of the Lakers, Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat, and Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic will showcase their athleticism at Intuit Dome. This marks the first competitive dunk contest since Mac McClung made history with three consecutive championships, declining to compete again this year.

The 2026 lineup brings youth and explosiveness to the competition. Hayes stands out with 75 dunks completed this season, demonstrating consistent finishing ability. Richardson combines guard speed with impressive leaping, while Johnson and Bryant bring wing athleticism that could produce creative combinations.

Betting Odds Tell the Story

Sportsbooks have Carter Bryant as the clear favorite at +180 odds, with Jaxson Hayes close behind at +250. Keshad Johnson sits at +320, while Jase Richardson enters at +350 to +380. The FanDuel Sportsbook projections suggest Bryant’s length and athleticism give him a slight edge in what forecasters call an ‘open field’ without a dominant favorite like McClung.

Hayes emerges as the biggest threat. The Lakers center brings NBA experience and has showcased explosive dunks throughout the 2025-26 season. His 75 dunks logged this year demonstrate recovery and explosion off both feet. However, Bryant’s rising stardom in San Antonio and his raw athleticism at the forward position make him the betting pick.

Comparing the Four Contenders

“The contest will showcase four hungry athletes with something to prove. Without Mac McClung setting the bar, this field has a real chance to deliver an unpredictable and thrilling show.”

— ESPN Basketball Analyst, on the 2026 dunk contest field

What Makes Tonight Different

Mac McClung’s absence changes the dynamic entirely. The three-time defending champion brought guaranteed perfection and creative dunks. This year, unpredictability reigns. Bryant offers length and athleticism but limited dunk contest experience. Hayes brings seasonwide production and explosiveness from the center position. Johnson and Richardson could both deliver surprise performances that shift the balance.

The 2026 All-Star Saturday kicks off at 6 PM ET with the State Farm 3-Point Contest and Kia Shooting Stars preceding the Slam Dunk finale. Intuit Dome in Inglewood provides an energetic home crowd advantage, especially for Jaxson Hayes. Can Carter Bryant overcome the odds in Lakers territory, or will Hayes’ hometown magic propel him to victory tonight?

Sources

• NBA.com – Official 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest participant announcements and statistics
• CBS Sports – 2026 NBA Slam Dunk lottery odds, FanDuel predictions, and expert analysis
• ESPN – 2026 All-Star Weekend schedule, All-Star Saturday live coverage information

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.