8x All-Star Would Destroy LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in a Dunk Contest, Claims Knicks Duo

The 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend was a massive letdown! While the 3-Point Contest and the “Steph vs Sabrina” shooting contest captivated the audience, the All-Star Game, Skills Challenge, and the Slam Dunk Contest weren’t well received by fans. The lack of competitive spirit during the All-Star Weekend has irked several fans and analysts, with many calling for the abolishment of the All-Star Weekend altogether. This isn’t the first time the All-Star weekend has let people down.

The All-Star weekend, the Dunk Contest in particular, has been a victim of a massive decline in TV ratings and viewership for years now. The underwhelming display is contributing to its downward trend. And talking about this, Vince Carter recently revealed a plan the NBA cooked up to revive the All-Star Weekend back in the mid-2000s. This could not be a success because of a lack of participation. During a recent interview on Run it Back, 8x NBA All-Star, Carter claimed that the NBA offered him, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Tracy McGrady, a million-dollar incentive to participate in the contest. However, as Vince put it, “Guys didn’t want to do it.”

Following Vince Carter’s revelation, numerous fans and players shared their thoughts on the hypothetical matchup, including Knicks duo Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson. In the latest episode of the Roommates Show podcast, Brunson stated that despite LeBron and Kobe participating, “Vince was winning regardless.” 

Many consider Vince Carter the greatest dunker in the history of the NBA. His legendary performance in the 2000 Dunk Contest is still regarded as the best-ever showing in the contest. Since Vince’s iconic performance, the Dunk Contest has struggled to recapture that same level of excitement and engagement. With calls to replace the contest increasing, is the Dunk Contest on its last legs?

Should the NBA replace the Slam Dunk Contest?

The 2024 Dunk Contest drew a lot of criticism despite the best efforts of Mac McClung and Jaylen Brown. The NBA has struggled to attract some of the most athletically gifted players, like Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, and Anthony Edwards, to participate in the contest. Some fans and players have suggested the NBA to increase the prize pool to approximately a million dollars to entice star players.

Read More: Why Did LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Other Superstars Opt Out of the Dunk Contest? Millionaire ESPN Analyst Reveals the Truth

However, that still won’t likely solve the problem. Current NBA stars aren’t willing to put their bodies on the line, and risk injuring themselves at such a crucial juncture of the season. That too just for a Dunk Contest title. With each passing year, it appears increasingly probable that the Dunk Contest is nearing its end. Should the NBA replace the dunk contest? Let us know in the comments below!