NBA All-Star weekend is right around the corner, which should excite diehard NBA fans who look forward to the yearly event.
The Slam Dunk contest hasn’t been exciting in recent years, but there’s still hope that with the right participants, it could eventually get back on track.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is among the players that fans have wanted to see in the contest for years. Although the 41-year-old has yet to compete, it didn’t stop ESPN’s Dave McMenamin from asking James if he would be interested in joining this year’s competition.
James’ response made his stance on the subject crystal clear.
“(Expletive), no chance," James stated in a no-nonsense-like tone.
McMenamin’s question was likely driven by JJ Redick’s comments about James’ athleticism following the Lakers’ 142-111 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
“The early rumors are that the league is going to try to get him to the dunk contest this year," Redick said. "There’s some choice left in those legs, apparently. The great left bionic leg.”
While it’s true that James can still elevate for awe-inspiring dunks at age 41, it’s unlikely he would come close to winning the Slam Dunk contest at this stage of his career. James is aware of this, which is why it isn’t shocking that he made it known he'll be sitting out for the 23rd straight year.
James’ wise decision is yet another example of his high IQ and awareness.
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