Fans have been clamoring for LeBron James to join the NBA Slam Dunk Contest for years. After James ruled the 2003 Powerade Jam Fest as a senior in high school, the call for him to join the pro league’s dunk competition only grew louder. Over two decades since playing in the NBA, he has yet to participate the marquee event.
Rich Paul, James’ close friend and agent, opened up on the “Game Over” podcast on Friday, the reason four-time MVP has never joined the contest:
“If he doesn’t do the dunk contest, that’s an issue. Or, ‘He ruined the dunk contest.’ Not really. The couple of times he wanted to do it, he had an ankle sprain like two games before, and at that point, it’s like, ‘Nah, I’m not gonna do it.’ I think because people did it prior to you, they feel you should have to do something.”
Most basketball fans expected LeBron James to follow in the footsteps of all-time greats who participated and even won the dunk contest. Many wanted to see if James could replicate what contest winners Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Vince Carter and others accomplished.
However, James has been hesitant to join the dunk contest since entering the NBA in 2003, despite bringing all the hype as a slam artist. In an interview with “Inside the NBA” that year, he said that he preferred “dunking in the moment.” He did “leave the door a little cracked,” keeping a future participation on the table.
LeBron James came close to participating in 2010. During the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, he put his name in the preliminary stages of the contest. After giving eager fans a thrill, he ultimately pulled out of the competition.
For those desperately hoping James would finally oblige his fans, the LA Lakers star responded when asked if he would join this year’s event:
“S**t. No chance.”
LeBron James will likely end his career without an appearance in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
JJ Redick jokes about LeBron James’ rumored appearance in 2026 Slam Dunk Contest
LeBron James showed on Friday against the Washington Wizards that he still has the hops to entertain fans. He had three rim-rattling dunks that energized the pro-Wizards crowd.
After the game, JJ replied when asked to comment on James’ impressive slams:
“The early rumors are that the league is gonna try to get him to the dunk contest this year. There’s some juice left in those legs, apparently. The great left bionic leg.”
LeBron James refused to participate when he was at the peak of his athletic powers. JJ Redick could only joke about the possibility of the 41-year-old star changing his stance about the dunk contest.
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