Heat forward LeBron James says he will never compete in Slam Dunk contest

Fans won't be seeing LeBron James in the Slam Dunk Contest anytime soon. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBA/Getty Images)

For years, fans have been wanting Miami Heat forward LeBron James to show off his impressive dunking arsenal and compete in the Slam Dunk Contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend.

On Saturday night after the Heat's 105-89 home victory over the Utah Jazz, James ended all speculation about him competing in the contest. When asked, if he would ever compete, James said:

“No,’’ said James to Fox Sports Florida. “It’s over with. I’m getting too old… It’s a taxing season. A lot of stars play a lot of the bulk of the minutes. So they got to protect their body and understand that they got to do what’s best for them. There were times when I wanted to do it. But I came into All-Star Weekend a few times banged up and I didn’t want to risk further injury."

The Slam Dunk contest will take place during the NBA All-Star Weekend at Houston's Toyota Center Feb. 16. The NBA All-Star Game will be held Feb. 17. Last year's contest was won by Utah Jazz forward Jeremy Evans.