Last night in Miami's pregame warmup, LeBron James pulled off a couple of spectacular dunks. One in particular...he threw it around his back...off the top of the backboard....timed it up nice...and threw it down with Dominique like force. What made it so special was the complete lack of effort from the king. He didn't miss it or need a thousand attempts. It was video game'esque.
This had hall of fame legend Magic Johnson reaching for his (and Cookie's) check book. Magic is now offering LeBron one meeelion dollars to compete in next year's Slam Dunk contest. Wow...you got a millie to burn just like that huh Magic? Nice! (but I digress).
As much as we would all love to see it...it ain't gonna happen.
Nor Should it.
It's not even about the money, LeBron has absolutely nothing to gain...and everything to lose by entering a dunk contest in this era of basketball. Slam Dunk contests were necessary in Magic and Jordan's era. The NBA was not a global force at the time, it was evolving into one. Not only were the contestants on full display for the world to see, but fans got to see the stars of the NBA being regular folks, laughing and joking around while giving their own mock scores. Technology at the time didn't allow us to pry into their every move. It was something to look forward to.
LeBron already has a zillion followers on twitter.
He doesn't need the Slam Dunk contest to build his brand. Nor does the league anymore. Quite simply, today's fans just don't care that much anymore.
LeBron is already the best player on the planet. A dunk contest is a no win situation. Let's face it, LeBron's real opponents in this are already done...Mike, Vince Carter, Kobe, Blake. How will he outdo their performances? And heaven forbid he lays an egg and loses. Just no incentive whatsoever.
LeBron would be competing against history, which is impossible. Sorry Magic, gotta find another way to spend that millie. follow @plcolter
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