The NBA All-Star event was up and running, with one of the most anticipated ones being the Slam Dunk Contest. Over the years, the event has seen some outrageous to jaw-dropping dunks. From Zach LaVine‘s behind-the-back dunk in 2016 to Mac McClung‘s 540 for the win. But this year’s seemed a little lackluster as per American sports columnist and commentator Skip Bayless. And there was only one person in his mind to blame: LeBron James.
Bayless tweeted the following, obviously disappointed with James’ decision to not compete in it, over the years:
If only LeBron had had the guts to do JUST ONE DUNK CONTEST. All the greats did at least one and often more … starting with Air Jordan.
As an icon of a player and known for his dunks in matches, surprisingly enough LeBron James has never participated in a Slam Dunk contest in his NBA career. The 39-year-old, who has shown his power on the offensive side with strong dunks over and over again, has never been part of the Slam Dunk contest.
If only LeBron had had the guts to do JUST ONE DUNK CONTEST. All the greats did at least one and often more … starting with Air Jordan.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 18, 2024
While the event has seen some moments that will stay forever in the memory books of the NBA, the exclusion of the Los Angeles Lakers star has led a lot of fans to question his backing up. And with the recent lackluster event, Skip Bayless had one and only one person to blame.
Mac McClung cliches his back-to-back Slam Dunk Titles
Disappointment to many that the event didn’t live up to their expectations, but if there was one person who ended the night on a happy note was Mac McClung who won the Slam Dunk title, two years in a row.
Mac McClung after winning back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk titles (Via The Athletic)The G-League player was the man of the moment as he delivered a perfect-esque dunk, jumping over the towering figure and NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal. And it was some dunk by the youngster. Jumping over Shaq, Mac was able to execute a behind-the-back dunk to get a perfect 50 from all 5 judges, declaring him the winner of the NBA Slam Dunk contest in quite a fashion.
After winning, McClung said:
I feel like life is so fast sometimes. It’s just I’ll look back in 20 years when I can’t jump anymore and not as quickly. But I know I’m a lucky dude.
While the building erupted in joy and amazement, certain fan bases felt it didn’t really live up to their expectations. Whether it was an NBA player not winning or the event in itself not producing the spark, overall it was quite a successful night not just for the winners but also for everyone who was able to witness the joyous occasion.
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