Many have speculated, especially pre-title, that LeBron is afraid of the contest because he doesn't want to endure the additional scrutiny of losing when the pressure is on. In part, at least before he got the ring, I agreed. I mean the amount of disdain he was feeling from people all across the world was astronomical and something I wouldn't wish on anyone. Just to be in a minor dunk contest I myself wouldn't even have risked increasing that. But now all is back to normal and the fans have replaced the boos everytime he touches the ball with the cheers and screams when he is introduced on their home court. So whats the hold up? It is my belief that LeBron won't participate because he simply doesn't want to. During All-star weekend, superstar players are doing much more than just a few interviews and watching the events hosted throughout the weekend. Many players hosts parties, charity events, attend business meetings, as well as do philanthropic work. This past All-Star weekend LeBron, D.Wade and the rest of the Heat team went out in the Houston community and helped to paint houses and plant trees for those in need. In addition, participating in the Dunk contest requires extra practice time. LeBron seems to be so focused on his game and the improvement of it, his businesses, and his family that it seems to me he may not have the time that he's want to come up with creative dunks that he would feel are worthwhile. Not to mention that at the time of next year's All-Star Weekend he will be 29 years old playing in his 10th season. Thats getting up there to participate in a contest like that.
LeBron reportedly told the media after the All-Star festivities that he is a more creative in-game dunker than he would be in a contest. I think that's an straight up excuse to avoid telling his real reasoning and I have footage to prove it. No doubt the NBA would make a significantly larger amount of money from All-Star weekend if they had LeBron headlining the dunk contest but everything that should happen doesn't always happen. So nevertheless, as hard as it is to say, all you Heat and LeBron fans out there: R.I.P to your hopes and dreams of seeing him raise that All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk contest winner trophy. All he is focused on is another Larry O'Brien.
Here's video footage of LeBron throwing down an amazing dunk during Pre-Game warm ups last night before they took on The Cavs. Creative "in-game dunker" who? Please LeBron! (The dunk starts at about :36)
Great read! As a fan of the NBA Im sad Lebron won't participate and bring some much need excitement to the Dunk Contest. However as a Heat fan i respect that he is focused on winning games and bring another championship to south beach (need atleast 5 more). I don't by the excuse of being and in game creative dunker. He has done some impressive things, but most are amazing because of the authority he dunks with and not the level of difficulty. I say just give the fans what they want and participate in the contest, this could be another stage in which he could silence his critics.
ReplyDeleteI agree. But he seems pretty set on not doing it. I don't think he would care much about the critics anymore though. He seems not to play for them anymore which is just one additional sign of his maturity. I think he feels he gives enough of a show during in-game performances for the fans to be satisfied.
DeleteIm inclined to believe you JayLee. I mean really Lebron, you expect us to believe you cant sit down and think of some crazy dumb dunks? Tuh! I'm not buying it. He is an athletic Gawd. If he wanted to he could do it. Or maybe it's his way of staying humble and not being the best at every dang on thing in the NBA lol. Guess we will never know.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point. That would be sort of arrogant of him but he might not want to seem like he entered something that of course he would win. But it is true that we wont ever know. Fans should give it up.
DeleteWell I guess the whole idea about critics is out the window. apparently he is gonna stop showing off cuz to many people are talking bout the pre game dunk. A mature man would know the only way to silence the critics is to make them choke on there words!
ReplyDeleteNot so fast! Apart of maturity is knowing what to and what not to entertain. He doesnt have to nor does he need to go back and forth with his critics because they will always find something to critique anyway. We just have to accept watching his greatness during in-game action.
DeleteGreat read I agree with you 100% I'm still going to be a little bias only because just 1 dunk contest will do all of the greats have done it
ReplyDeleteHaha I know what you mean. I would love to see him do it no doubt and he should have but people need to give up the dream. He has to have an real good reason beyond mine and other media's speculation but we will never know.
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