“I’m not pursuing anything, but my love for the game runs deep. So [I'm] just trying to give everything to the game until I have nothing left... It's just about the pure joy of playing a game that I love.” —LeBron James 🙌 (via @NBA)
“Directly responsible”: Stephen A. Smith accuses LeBron James of ruining NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest
NBATuesday, 20 February 2024 at 11:00
NBA broadcaster Stephen A. Smith has accused Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James for ruining the All-Star Slam Dunk contest.
The Slam Dunk contest remains one of the main events that took place in the NBA All-Star weekend. Smith was recently quoted in a report where he accused James of ruining the Slam Dunk contest. This year, young Mac McClung won the Slam Dunk contest
"LeBron James is directly responsible for ruining the slam dunk contest,” he said. “The slam dunk contest, from 1985 to 1997, five of the 13 contests were won by future Hall of Famers. Every high-jumper, skywalker, and above-the-rim talent, salivated for the opportunity to participate in the dunk contest.
“It stopped when LeBron said I'm not doing it... There is no one who knows basketball that would refute what I am saying. LeBron James refusing to participate was the beginning and the spark plug of its demise. Period! There is no one who can dispute that."
James was previously quoted in a report where he explained why he never participated in the Slam Dunk contest.
"I don't think it was something I wanted to accomplish in my career,” he said back then. “It's not a goal of mine, and it never was coming into the NBA to be a part of the Dunk Contest, you know? Making the NBA All-Star Team was, being the league MVP, winning Defensive Player of the Year, and winning NBA Championships…? Those were some goals of mine. The NBA Dunk Contest was never a goal of mine so, it wasn't something that I had too much passion for."
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