With three-time Slam Dunk champion Mac McClung sitting out this year’s dunk contest, not much was expected from this year’s contestants. And unsurprisingly, it was a snoozefest. The once highly anticipated event has waned in popularity. Maybe stars like LeBron James, who infamously skipped it throughout his career, may have something to do with it?
There was once a time when LBJ was close to participating in the Dunk Contest. In the late 2000s, he said he’d put his name in and join in on the fun. But nothing ever came out of that. Years passed, and James, at his current age, will never appear on it.
Shaquille O’Neal, who once played alongside LeBron James in Cleveland, was sad that the latter did not participate in the once-beloved Saturday night event.
“I’m not gonna criticize LeBron, but as a fan, you’d like to see the best compete. It’s very unfortunate and sad that he didn’t compete. I’m not gonna say it’s his fault, but I would’ve loved to see him compete in the dunk contest,” Shaq divulged in an appearance in Sports Illustrated.
“I played with him a couple of years, and every now and then he’d do something in the layup line that’d make the crowd go crazy,” he added.
Would LeBron have won at least one Dunk contest crown if he ever participated? That would be a resounding yes. During his heyday, James was an athletic freak. His vertical leap, though still disputed, was arguably near the 50-point mark.
Lakers Moving LeBron To A Bench Role?
LeBron James (Image Credits: Imagn)
The trio of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James has a negative rating on the floor. However, whenever James sits down, the Lakers play a much faster, efficient game. As a result, some basketball insiders suggest it might be time for LeBron to take his talents to a different level – a sixth-man role for LA.
But would the 41-year-old star be open to the relegation? That would be a hard pill to swallow for him. He’s never come off the bench throughout his decorated 23-year career. But should he be willing to accept it, LBJ would certainly become the best off-the-bench player in the NBA.
