The NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest has lost its former glory. Every year, except for the epic showdowns between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon, fans express their dissatisfaction with the contest’s current state. Superstar players no longer want to participate, either due to the fear of getting injured, frustration with the officiating, or to avoid embarrassment. This is why Stephen A. Smith holds LeBron James accountable for its downfall. During a discussion on First Take, the ESPN commentator reminded everyone that star players used to take pride in competing in the contest, with legends like Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant winning it at least once. However, as soon as LeBron made it clear that he would not participate, other stars followed suit. Smith boldly stated, “LeBron James is directly responsible for ruining the Slam Dunk Contest.”
This statement may appear as a slight against LeBron, but that’s not the intention. He has set the standard for a successful and enduring career, and he is a respected leader in the league. It is disheartening to realize that no star players are even considering participating in this event, to the extent that the league has had to rely on G-Leaguers to keep it going. At this point, it may be better to cancel the contest altogether. Hopefully, in the future, a superstar will step up to rectify this situation, lead by example, and announce the triumphant return of the Slam Dunk Contest.
According to the Source thecoldwire.com