After two decades, LeBron James was not selected as a starter for the All-Star Game for the first time, but the expectations of spectators have not faded. NBA fans have continued to hope for a surprise appearance from him in the league’s traditional Slam Dunk Contest, although that option has now disappeared.
At 41 years old, LeBron James delivered an impressive performance in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 142-111 victory over the Washington Wizards, putting on an aerial show by “the King” that fueled fans’ belief he could compete for the prestigious individual trophy. On a night in which he recorded 20 points, six assists, and three rebounds, James added three dunks that stole the spotlight.
The “bionic leg” and league rumors
James’ display did not go unnoticed by his head coach, JJ Redick, who joked with reporters after the game about the NBA’s interest in recruiting the veteran for the February 14 event.
“The early rumors say the league will try to get him into the dunk contest this year. Apparently, there’s still some juice left in those legs. The big bionic left leg,” Redick said with an ironic smile, further fueling speculation about a potential historic appearance.
However, the response from the league’s all-time leading scorer was immediate and definitive. When asked by ESPN about his coach’s comments and the possibility of participating, LeBron was blunt: “No chance.”
LeBron’s relationship with the Slam Dunk Contest has long been a story of “what might have been.” In 2009, the forward publicly expressed his desire to take part in the 2010 edition in Dallas, even placing his name “preliminarily” on the list. He ultimately never followed through, and by 2012 he declared that he would never compete in the event.
Today, the contest’s format has changed dramatically, moving away from superstars and recently being dominated by specialists such as Mac McClung, who has won the event three consecutive times. For this year’s edition, names such as Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and Spurs rookie Carter Bryant (initially reported as Cartier) have already been confirmed, as they attempt to fill the void left by established stars.
LeBron James remains relevant to the public, and as long as his legs hold up in these later years, rumors about his future will continue. Perhaps “the King” still has one last chance in the dunk contest-but for now, everyone will have to wait.
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