Los Angeles Lakers Playoff Chances
LeBron James, of the Los Angeles Lakers, going to dunk against the Blazers.
Former three-time NBA Slam Dunk champion Nate Robinson believes Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James passed on an opportunity early in his career that once defined NBA superstardom — and, in Robinson’s view, helped contribute to the decline of one of All-Star Weekend’s most iconic events.
Speaking in an interview with mBit Casino, Robinson criticized modern stars for avoiding the Slam Dunk Contest, pointing to James as the most notable absence.
“I don’t know how, but they’ve made it not as cool,” Robinson said. “Back in the day, doing the Dunk Contest stamped who you were. Come on, man — Michael Jordan did the Dunk Contest. LeBron should have. Ja Morant should. Zion should. Why aren’t you guys doing what you’re meant to do? That should’ve been rookie-year stuff.”
Robinson: Fear of Criticism Changed Player Mindset
Nate Robinson, Knicks
GettyNate Robinson of the New York Knicks attempts a dunk during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest on All-Star Saturday Night, part of 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend at American Airlines Center on February 13, 2010 in Dallas, Texas.
Robinson, who won the contest in 2006, 2009 and 2010, said the biggest difference between eras is how players now weigh perception over performance.
“It didn’t hurt their careers, even if they didn’t win,” Robinson said. “Nowadays, guys are too worried about losing or looking bad. Back then, we didn’t have cell phones or the internet recording everything. We just did it for the fans, for ourselves, to prove we were some of the greatest athletes ever. That was the thing. Now, they don’t even care.”
Robinson argued that constant social-media scrutiny has turned the contest into a risk rather than a showcase, discouraging top players from participating.
Why LeBron James Never Entered the Dunk Contest
Despite being widely regarded as one of the most powerful and athletic players in NBA history, James has never competed in the Slam Dunk Contest.
Over the years, James has explained his stance in multiple All-Star media availabilities. Early in his career, he cited injury concerns and workload management, particularly as his teams regularly carried championship expectations.
The Lakers star has also said the contest simply did not appeal to him.
“I don’t think it was something I wanted to accomplish in my career; it’s not a goal of mine and it never was coming into the NBA to be a part of the Dunk Contest, you know?” James said in 2023. “Making the NBA All-Star Team was, being the league MVP, winning Defensive Player of the Year, winning NBA Championships…? Those were some goals of mine. The NBA Dunk Contest was never a goal of mine. So, it wasn’t something that I had too much passion for.”
James has emphasized that he prefers showcasing athleticism in live game action rather than a standalone exhibition, framing his in-game highlights as a more authentic expression of competition.
This Year’s Field Highlights Star Power Drop-Off
Robinson’s criticism comes as this year’s Slam Dunk Contest again lacks established stars.
The 2026 field is made up of Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs, Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat, and Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic.
Two participants — Bryant and Richardson — are rookies. Bryant was selected 14th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, while Richardson was taken 25th overall and is the son of two-time Dunk Contest champion Jason Richardson.
Hayes is in his seventh NBA season, while Johnson is in his second year after splitting last season between Miami and its G League affiliate.
While the group features athleticism and creativity, none enter the contest as franchise cornerstones or even a starter — a reality Robinson believes speaks for itself.
Robinson to Judge Contest in Los Angeles
Despite his critique, Robinson remains involved with the event and will serve as a judge this weekend in Los Angeles.
The judging panel includes Hall of Famers Dominique Wilkins and Dwight Howard, along with former NBA players Brent Barry and Robinson.
Debate Reflects Shift in All-Star Weekend Culture
Robinson’s comments highlight a long-running tension between spectacle and preservation.
James has built his legacy on longevity, postseason dominance and durability, often prioritizing long-term health over exhibition events. Robinson, however, sees the Dunk Contest as a cultural moment that once allowed stars to connect directly with fans.
LeBron James may never enter the Slam Dunk Contest — and his résumé needs no validation — but Robinson’s critique underscores how that absence still resonates, especially as the event searches for relevance in an era dominated by caution and constant scrutiny.