NBA fans seem to be growing tired of LeBron James‘ excuses regarding the dunk contest. As most of us should know, the NBA dunk contest is usually conducted during the all-star weekend. Over the years, legends have participated in it and shown their high-flying abilities and acrobatics.
Despite being considered a legend by most people in the world of basketball, LeBron has refused to participate in the contest even once so far in his 20-year career. Let us take a closer look at his reasoning and thought process. We can also find out how fans reacted to his defense on this subject.
Has LeBron James ever participated in the NBA Dunk Contest?
As already mentioned, LeBron has avoided participating in the NBA dunk contest every single year of his NBA career. This has puzzled some fans since the King has made a name for himself due to his incredible leaping abilities. Unlike others such as Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, who participated at least once in their careers.
When asked about the reasons for his disinterest in the dunk contest, LeBron claimed that winning it simply did not feel like an achievement for 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? 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.”
LeBron James says he never wanted to participate in the slam dunk contest
“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? Making the NBA All-Star Team… pic.twitter.com/iF083Xf2Qj
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 12, 2023
While it certainly makes sense that LeBron had bigger goals and priorities in his sights, some haters still claim that this is an excuse, “All I hear is excuses” and seem to be indicating that LeBron might be scared of having his dunks examined under the limelight. Some even pointed out that he should have considered trying a dunk contest when he was younger for the sake of marketing, “It would have been great for his marketing though.”
all i hear is excuses
— ໍ (@supszns) June 12, 2023
It would have been great for his marketing though
— Ahmad Scientist (@pharmaziz) June 12, 2023
The real reason: pic.twitter.com/9NWZi3jUrA
— Daily Grind Fantasy Sports (@DGFantasy) June 12, 2023
He has like 3 dunks so ofc not
— Caleb (@yungdracocaleb) June 12, 2023
These comments are being viewed as nothing more than explanations by fans who are unable to accept that King James does not want to go the way of his predecessors. After all, LeBron would gain nothing from entering a dunk contest but would have something to lose if he did not win.