The NBA All-Star Weekend’s slam dunk contest is just a few days away, and for the 11th time in his 11-year career LeBron James will be watching from the sidelines.
To make things even worse, for roughly the 10,000th time James decided to take a few minutes during the Heat’s Monday shootout to showcase his supreme dunking ability.
With his teammates and a media cohort watching intently, James started his dunking session by throwing an alley-oop to himself off a column behind the hoop, catching the rebound and then proceeding to slam it down hard with his right hand.
Over the course of his session he also opted to work through more traditional self-oops off of the high bounce, including a two-handed reverse jam.
James finished off his routine with a combination he usually executes in pre-game warm-ups, throwing himself a lob through his own legs off the backboard to set up a powerful two-handed catch and one-handed dunk with his head near rim level.
If James could produce something similar would these dunks win the slam dunk contest?
The answer is possibly, but not definitely. The problem is James wouldn’t be able to use a wall for his routine.
What this dunk session shows us is that with the right amount of preparation and a few out of the box ideas, Lebron could put a show on for the ages. That’s what makes it all the more frustrating that James continually chooses to not showcase his talents in the dunk contest.
This year’s competitors comprise a strong field and for the first time since 1988 that field has three All-Stars. The field is made up of Paul George, Terrence Ross, John Wall, Damian Lillard, Harrison Barnes and Ben McLemore.
But it is still a mildly disappointing one because James isn’t competing. Whether or not he chooses to not participate because he is worried about his legacy is another story, but the King is out of excuses now.
With four MVPs and two rings to his name, and quite a time in his career still to go, James has nothing to worry about. He has shown time and time again that he can deal with pressure and at 29 he still has some wicked hops.
James’ show after practice is as maddening as it is tantalising. Remember though, James owes us nothing – it’s his life and his choice to not participate. He has an NBA title to defend after all.
It’s just hard as a fan to see stuff like this, or the pre-game monsters he started throwing down last season as the Heat turned layup lines into impromptu dunk contests, and not feel like every All-Star Saturday that doesn’t feature James in the main event represents another missed opportunity to see something amazing and unique.
For me, it leaves a sour taste in the mouth.
Hutchoman
Roar Pro
Perhaps James could discuss this in "The Decision 2"?
mushi
Roar Guru
I don't know why he or anyone else would care. the dunk contest has no meaningful frame work for how things are scored, no consistency and unpredictably switches between rewarding and punishing reputation. I actually don't think he could win the contest because you'd have people handicapping his scores expecting more. But then I don't really watch the allstar weekend
Ryan
Guest
Lebron doesn't need the dunk contest at all, id rather see him avoid at and just thrown down in practise and games when possible rather than every dunk being put under the microscope. His dunks are just....well...awesome. In case anyone missed today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKpEYaEEpCA
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Yeah that's it, being a follower of Lebron on twitter I find it astounding the amount of people that hate him. He is actually one of the most talented if not the most talented big men to play the game ever. No one can actually hate on him for the decision because in most cases anyone would've done what Lebron did, I remember one commentator or presenter basically begging Lebron at 18 to go in the contest. Either way I won't complain if he keeps making videos, his genius astounds me. The way he is able to perfectly calculate the angles I don't think many players if any besides Lebron could do what he does.
astro
Guest
Yeah, I agree that seeing Lebron produce one amazing dunk after another in the dunk contest would be great...I'm just not sure there's any reason for him to do it. Is that the fans want him to do it, a good enough reason? I don't know... If you ever read the replies to anything Lebron posts on twitter or instagram, the amount of hate (much of it racially based) is incredible. While he has millions of fans, he also has a lot of detractors. Something like the dunk contest only opens the door to detractors, in my opinion. He'd only have something to lose by going in it now... Maybe if he'd done it in his first few years at Cleveland, that would have been the right move. Either way, I'll be happy if he keeps making these videos!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I guess what you are saying is correct, I don't like the format of East vs West as it ruins the spectacle of the dunk contest. More or less the NBA doesn't care whether Lebron goes in it or not, I liked what you said about Lebron dunking in a gym. If anything it is probably more about us wanting to see him do it on a big state versing someone rather than having him just do it by himself in the gym. After all isn't that the spectacle we want to see? The video though is one of the more impressive ones I have seen and the fact that he just pulls it out during a shoot out makes it even more impressive. I agree also on the fact that Lebron's dunks have the beauty in the power, who in the entire NBA would want to stand in front of him when he throws it down?
astro
Guest
Lebron not participating in the dunk contest says more about the contest itself, than Lebron. The fact is, the contest is a looooooong way away from what it was when Niq and Jordan went head to head, or even when Kobe and Vince participated. The NBA likes to think they've made the contest less gimmicky by not having guys jump over cars, or dress as Superman, but each new format only takes it further from what it was...Conference vs. conference? “freestyle” and “battle” rounds"? Crowning all members of the winning conference as“Slam Dunk Contest champions,” and then having fans vote for “Dunker of the Night.”....no thanks. But back to Lebron. In my book, this video is as good as him participating in the contest. In fact, I'd rather see a collection of Lebron doing amazing dunks in a gym, than Lebron representing the East in a "battle round". What possible benefit is there for Lebron to do this? What did the dunk contest do for Blake Griffin? Did that make him a 'bigger' star, or prove to us that he was a great dunker? If anything, it only re-enforced the idea that all he can do is dunk! Besides, the beauty of Lebron dunks are in his power...Just like Niq. The force of his dunks are just so impressive, yet this is something which is completely overlooked in a dunk contest nowadays. Fact is, Youtube has changed the face of the dunk contest. It will never be what it was, and Lebron is clearly aware of that...Want to see McLemore attempt a 720? Jump on Youtube and watch a high school kid do it. Or watch Air Up There a.k.a Mr.720, do it time and again! Guys like those on the And1 circuit have taken most of the dunking limelight away from the pros...Like I say, it will never be the same.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I have the same opinion, it's like he likes us talking about him not going in the contest as if he craves the attention. But it's just getting ridiculous now, the competition would benefit from having Lebron slamming some ice cold dunks.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Yeah having a shot clock would certainly be very advantageous so the crowd doesn't have to wait so long for a dunk. Even something as simple as dunking from the three throw line is just as dazzling, people under estimate how much athleticism is required for something like that. I reckon Lebron could do it with ease.
josh
Roar Rookie
Even as I wrote the gimmicky line; I know, that especially last year, the contest has become more about dunking ability, rather than the use of props. It's good to see. I'm not sure of the rules this year, but they need to tighten up the number of re-do's. They should just make it you get 24 seconds to get the shot off.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
The slam dunk showcases the athleticism and raw power of some of the NBA's greatest athletes. It remains as one of the highlights of All-Star weekend every year. Especially if McLemore can land the 720 dunk he is thinking of attempting.
josh
Roar Rookie
The Slam Dunk Contest needs LeBron more than LeBron needs the Slam Dunk Contest. Plus it's become a bit gimmicky now.
Harry
Guest
I just think it's ridiculous that he can do all these things in the gym and then refuse to go in the contest. It actually feels like Lebron is legitimately scared that he will lose!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I agree, not sure if any other player could do what Lebron was doing.
Harry
Guest
I swear the more I see the dunks the angrier I get. Lebron should just go in the dunk contest!!!