Lakers News: LeBron James Reveals Why He Never Competed In NBA Dunk Contest
Los Angeles Lakers All-NBA small forward LeBron James has achieved plenty in his storied 20-year pro career. There is maybe just one glaring omission on his resume: he has never participated in the Slam Dunk Contest.
Per Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson of Bally Sports, the 19-time All-Star recently revealed why he has yet to suit up for the competition -- and why he probably never will.
"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. "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 won the league MVP four times, most recently in 2014, and has won four titles with three different teams, including your Lakers in 2020.
Even at the ripe old age of 38, James could probably still hang with some of the league's top dunkers in a concentrated competition, though he'd be one of the older competitors. His former championship-winning Lakers teammate, Dwight Howard, serves as a solid example of a veteran exploring the contest. Howard most recently participated in the contest circa 2020, during his 16th NBA season.
Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!
