Stephen A Smith blames LeBron James for NBA Slam Dunk Contest decline

NBA All-Star Weekend obtained blended critiques from followers on social media, with many citing the dearth of leisure throughout Saturday night time’s Slam Dunk Contest.

It is no secret that the signature occasion of the pre-All-Star-Sport festivities is not what it was once, and the most recent iteration on Saturday night time on the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles was extra of the identical.

Miami Warmth ahead Keshad Johnson gained the occasion, however the efficiency of all 4 members didn’t impress the group and social media.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James nonetheless have some beef heading into the 2025-2026 NBA season. (PROPOSE)

The talk over the occasion in flip ended up on ESPN’s “First Take,” the place character Stephen A. Smith truly pointed some blame towards a non-participant: Los Angeles Lakers famous person LeBron James.

“I will blame it on LeBron James,” Smith advised the panel. “Now I’ve sat right here for months and I’ve applauded his greatness and all of the issues he is accomplished and meant to the NBA, however I stated it and I will be very constant… The one who is admittedly the provocateur to destroy the slam dunk contest is him.”

MEHDI HASAN RIPS LEBRON JAMES ON ISRAEL COMMENTS AT NBA ALL-STAR GAME

Whereas Smith did not have any proof as to why James ruined the match, he merely says that the best participant of all time by no means collaborating within the occasion is dangerous for it general.

“He was a famous person who would host a dunk contest within the layup line each night time, particularly when he knew there was momentum for him to take part, and he by no means did. He even teased that he would take part one yr.”

USA Stripes ahead LeBron James (23) solutions questions earlier than the NBA All-Star basketball sport on Sunday, February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (AP Photograph/Mark J. Terrill)

Maybe Smith is implying that James’ lack of participation has brought about different NBA superstars to keep away from the occasion. Gone are the times of followers getting iconic dunk battles with gamers like Zach Levine and Aaron Gordon.

Mac McClung, who’s at the moment on a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls, has been an enormous attract current seasons, given his show-stopping dunks that blew away the remainder of the league. He gained three consecutive matches between 2023 and 2025.

However Saturday’s occasion, which additionally included James’ Lakers teammate Jaxson Hayes, San Antonio Spurs’ Carter Bryant and Orland Magic’s Jase Richardson, the son of two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion Jason Richardson, was robust.

“I did not take into consideration the sport,” he stated. “I need to applaud Keshad Johnson for his win. Pat Riley stands up and applauds him… however everyone knows it was horrible as a result of there was no star energy. The fact is we’ll carry it dwelling the place the GOATS can get it.”

Los Angeles Lakers ahead LeBron James seems through the first half of an NBA basketball sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz, on February 10, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. (AP Photograph/Mark J. Terrill, File)

See also  Liza Soberano clarifies James Reid not third party in split with Enrique Gil

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

In fact, it isn’t simply James who can carry an enormous star to the occasion. However what was as soon as the occasion the place Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Dwight Howard and lots of others needed to compete has was an occasion the place gamers with decrease standing within the league attempt to make a reputation for themselves.

The final notable NBA All-Star to win the occasion was Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, who was enjoying for the Utah Jazz in 2018 when he took dwelling the win.

Observe Fox Information Digital’s sports reporting on X and subscribe to the Fox Information Sports activities Huddle e-newsletter.