NBA Analyst Blames LeBron James for Slam Dunk Contest Decline

Sports analyst Skip Bayless says LeBron's refusal to participate has ruined the event

Feb. 17, 2026 at 11:39am

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Sports analyst Skip Bayless has criticized LeBron James for never participating in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, saying his absence has contributed to the event's decline in popularity. Bayless argues that James, considered one of the league's most athletic players, should have competed in the contest like Michael Jordan did multiple times. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has also blamed James for 'ruining' the Slam Dunk Contest by not taking part despite having the star power to elevate the event.

Why it matters

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has long been one of the most anticipated events during All-Star Weekend, showcasing the league's most electrifying players and dunking abilities. However, in recent years, the contest has faced criticism for a lack of star power and creativity. Analysts believe LeBron James' refusal to participate, despite being one of the NBA's premier in-game dunkers, has played a significant role in the contest's decline.

The details

According to the report, LeBron James has never participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, despite being considered one of the league's most athletic players. In 2010, there was an expectation that James would finally take part, but his name was not included in the list of participants. James later revealed that he had considered competing in the past, but minor injuries held him back. In 2012, he said he was too old to compete in the contest, even though he was just about to turn 28 at the time. Both Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith have criticized James for not participating, arguing that his star power could have elevated the event.

  • In 2010, James was expected to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest, but his name was not on the list of participants.
  • In 2012, James said he was too old to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest, even though he was just about to turn 28.

The players

LeBron James

A professional basketball player who is considered one of the NBA's most athletic and dominant players, but has never participated in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Skip Bayless

A sports analyst who has criticized LeBron James for not participating in the Slam Dunk Contest, arguing that his absence has contributed to the event's decline.

Stephen A. Smith

An ESPN sports analyst who has also blamed LeBron James for 'ruining' the Slam Dunk Contest by not taking part in the event.

Michael Jordan

A former professional basketball player who competed in the Slam Dunk Contest three times, making the event 'epic' according to Skip Bayless.

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What they’re saying

“I've been saying for 20 years that LeBron James has ruined the Dunk Contest by not having the courage to participate one single time in a competition Michael Jordan made epic by competing in three times. Now, who wants to watch G-Leaguers dunk on All-Star Saturday Night???”

— Skip Bayless, Sports Analyst

“I'm gonna blame LeBron James...I'm going to be very, very consistent. The person who really is the provocateur to ruin the Slam Dunk Contest was him, because he was a superstar who put on a dunk contest every night in the layup line, particularly when he knew that there was momentum swelling for him to participate, and he never did.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst

The takeaway

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has struggled to maintain its popularity in recent years, and analysts believe the absence of LeBron James, one of the league's most athletic superstars, has played a significant role in this decline. The criticism highlights the importance of star power and participation in elevating marquee events, and raises questions about James' legacy and missed opportunities to cement his place in NBA history.