Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images[/caption]LeBron James owes his fans one shot at the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. All of the all-time greats have participated in this contest. James even told TNT analyst Cheryl Miller in 2009 he would enter the contest, only to back out months later.
Is James simply afraid? I believe he is. James feels he has everything to lose and nothing to gain. The last time James participated in a dunk contest was before the McDonald's All-American Game in 2003, when he edged out Shannon Brown and Von Wafer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH1skTZLEYo&feature=related
For those who watched the contest, it was pretty obvious James did not deserve the win. The contest was held in Cleveland and James was the overwhelming crowd-favorite. James even admitted looking back on it that he was the hometown star and was probably given the nod.
James has always been self-conscious of his image. He even wears a double headband to hide his receding hairline. The complete media fall-out of "The Decision" and him proclaiming himself a champion before winning a title made him one of the most hated players in the league. James does not want to be the villain, it's not his personality.
Perhaps James thinks he will blow it and lose to a Kenneth Faried or some other lesser known player? James could win the contest on presence alone. Maybe he could use John Lucas III as one of his props. I would pay to see James leap over him again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ4GA3GB3Wk
King James needs to participate in the contest. Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Julius Erving, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Vince Carter and other all-time great players capable of an aerial assault have willingly participated and all won the contest.
James, reportedly, has interest in participating in the three-point shooting contest. But please, step up to the plate and enter the dunk contest. James is arguably the most athletically-gifted player we have ever seen, and with his creativity, I believe he could put on a show at the dunk contest.
Win or lose, a dunk contest featuring LeBron James could be potentially a once in a lifetime viewing experience.
