Stephen A. Smith Attributes NBA Slam Dunk Contest Decline to LeBron James’ Absence
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The NBA Slam Dunk Contest, once a highlight of the All-Star Weekend festivities, has faced growing criticism for its recent lack of excitement, and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has placed the blame squarely on Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. Following a subdued contest at the Intuit Dome that left fans and analysts underwhelmed, Smith suggested that James’ absence from the event has discouraged other marquee players from participating, contributing to the contest’s diminished appeal.
The 2026 Slam Dunk Contest, held on Saturday night, saw Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson emerge as the winner. However, the performances of all four contestants failed to captivate the audience, both in the arena and across social media platforms. Fans voiced their disappointment, lamenting the contest’s inability to recapture the thrilling moments of past years.
During a segment on ESPN’s First Take, Smith acknowledged LeBron James’ basketball greatness but criticized his decision to steer clear of the Slam Dunk Contest. “I’m going to blame LeBron James,” Smith declared. “His absence sends a message to other stars that the event isn’t worth their time, and that’s part of why the contest has lost its luster.”
LeBron James, now in his 23rd NBA season, made his season debut with the Lakers last night in a win over the Utah Jazz. His ongoing excellence on the court has been widely praised, yet his choice to avoid the dunk contest has sparked debate about his influence on the event’s prestige. The NBA All-Star Weekend, managed by the league’s entertainment division, has struggled to maintain the Slam Dunk Contest’s relevance amid changing player priorities and evolving fan expectations.
The NBA’s official website highlights the Slam Dunk Contest as a showcase of creativity and athleticism, but recent years have seen a decline in participation by top-tier stars, which some attribute to concerns over injury risk and the event’s perceived entertainment value. The NBA All-Star Weekend continues to evolve, with the league experimenting with new formats and events to engage audiences.
Smith’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about how to revitalize the Slam Dunk Contest and restore its status as a marquee event. The NBA’s Players Association has also weighed in on the importance of balancing player health with fan engagement, a delicate issue that impacts participation in high-risk exhibitions.
As the league approaches the remainder of the 2025-26 season, attention will likely turn to how the NBA and its stars can collaborate to enhance the All-Star Weekend experience. For now, the spotlight remains on LeBron James, whose influence on and off the court continues to shape the narrative around the league’s most celebrated showcase.
For more on the NBA’s All-Star events and player participation, visit the National Basketball Players Association and the official NBA website.
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