Bronny James, Lakers
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Bronny James of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a dunk during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers.
NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter made some interesting comments about players they’d like to see participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. All three retired superstars work together for the NBA on NBC coverage of NBA games. Last night’s post-game show featured the trio discussing some of their desires for the All-Star Weekend events.
NBC carrying the All-Star events led to Carter naming his realistic choices. However, McGrady and Anthony both chimed in at the end by naming Bronny James as their dream candidate”
“Listen, we going to Los Angeles, we going to La La Land, Hollywood. When we’re in Hollywood, there’s got to be a name that really just brings everyone out, that everyone wants to come see. We need Bronny James. That’s the name.”
The star power and name value of Bronny would certainly boost the interest for the dunk contest. LeBron James’ son has received a roster spot for the Los Angeles Lakers to team with his father, but he barely gets playing time. McGrady and Anthony believe that Bronny could help add interest to the competition and find a way to make his name in the league.
Is Bronny James A Realistic Choice?
Bronny has had some highlight dunks during his limited playing time and his practice sessions. Anthony and McGrady referenced the All-Star festivities taking place in Los Angeles this year. Even though it’s the Los Angeles Clippers hosting the weekend, fans of the Lakers and casual fans in the area would be excited to see Bronny participate.
The NBA has struggled to get big names in the dunk contest over the past few years and usually rely on younger players competing. Bronny would not be the first young role player to take part in the dunk contest, and it actually would be in his wheelhouse of similar talents.
Some bigger names, like VJ Edgecombe and Ja Morant, have been rumored as options fans want to see. Edgecombe would fit the traditional mold of a promising rookie taking part in the dunk contest. Otherwise, it will likely be role players with impressive athletic ability. Bronny is not the worst name if he has confidence in his dunking ability.
Would Bronny James Save The Contest?
Unfair expectations from fans getting placed on Bronny could be a realistic reason for him to avoid wanting to be a dunk contest competitor. Everyone will be ready to make fun of him for a weak performance, but a victory would give him some more credibility across the league.
Anthony is a close family friend of LeBron and the James family to call out the youngster in a supportive manner. Bronny could certainly help make All-Star Weekend feel a little more exciting by boosting the intrigue of the dunk contest to a higher level.
The past few years have seen the three-point contest outdoing the dunk contest due to the star power involved. Commissioner Adam Silver would certainly love to have some All-Stars dunking this year, but Bronny would provide an equally enticing draw for the league to push, despite being a role player.