Lakers News: Stephen A Smith Blames LeBron James For Ruining NBA Dunk Contest

Former Lakers guard Mac McClung took home his first Slam Dunk Contest trophy this past weekend in what was regarded by many fans as one of the best competitions in recent years. The high-flyer threw down some spectacular jams en route to a victory, and completed every dunk in one try.

Unfortunately, this year's contest followed a similar trend of the past few seasons as we saw no stars participate once again. Despite names like Ja Morant, Anthony Edwards, and Zion Williamson being at the top of fan wish lists, they were left disappointed when the lineup dropped.

Another star that has been highly requested to appear in the contest is none other than LeBron James. With him being one of the most athletically-gifted players of all time, he would have had quite the bag of tricks had he joined in his prime. We never did get to see The King compete in it as he noted that "he has nothing to prove."

ESPN's notoriously opinionated analyst Stephen A. Smith believes that James is to blame for All-Stars nowadays following in his footsteps and choosing to watch the contest alongside the rest of us. He criticized the four-time champion in a recent First Take segment.

Stephen A thinks Lebron is personally responsible for ruining the Slam Dunk contest
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— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 20, 2023

"There is one blemish that should be on LeBron James' career, he has ruined the Slam Dunk Contest," said Smith. "He said no, I'm not doing it. And since he made that decision, we've seen year after year after year the dissipation of stars participating in the Slam Dunk Contest."

It has been speculated, too, that James likely doesn't participate to avoid injury and possibly even embarrassment. In a social media era where it seems like almost every possible dunk has already been done, the four-time MVP would be ridiculed if he didn't live up to the super high expectations of fans.

Smith would also go on to describe the type of influence that James has over the rest of his NBA peers and why it negatively impacted the Saturday night event.

"During the bubble, what did Patrick Beverley come out and say?," said Smith. "He said we're going to all follow LeBron James. LeBron James prides himself as a leader, prides himself as a motivator, he prides himself as a pioneer."

James turned 38 earlier this year and has already sustained multiple injuries this season so don't expect to see him in any NBA Dunk Contest in the future. Mac McClung, however, has already confirmed that he plans to return to defend his title.

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