The dunk contest was once a show of exemplary athleticism and electrifying energy. Fans all remember the iconic 2016 showdown between Zach Lavine and Aaron Gordon. However, long gone are the days each dunk was met with the anticipation of a loud pop. The competition which was once the highlight of the All-Star weekend has been reduced to a mere sideshow. It probably reached an all-time low after what happened last season.  But popular analyst Stephen A Smith believes there is the only man to blame for the downfall of the competition, that is LeBron James.

The King came into the league in 2003 as a freak of nature. Two decades later, the story hasn’t changed. James is known all around the basketball world for his signature tomahawk dunk. The 6.9″ forward is one of the most powerful high-flyers in the league even at the age of 38. That’s one of the main reasons everyone is surprised as to why the Akron Hammer has never participated in the dunk contest. In an interview years ago, Brian Windhirst, a man who covered James since high school said, “James has never done it for a very good reason: he has absolutely nothing to gain and everything to lose.”

But many believe that to be one of the more absurd reasons. Before James, history had a pattern of superstars taking on each other. However, after continuously refusing to do the dunk contest, the excitement of seeing the best players put on a show died down among the fans. Despite knowing the influence he holds, the all-time leading scorer refused to do even a single contest. And that is one reason Stephen A Smith blames the King for the downfall of the event.

Stephen A. Smith drops the hammer on LeBron James

Before the modern era, the dunk contest was a ‘can’t miss’ attraction. The biggest names in the sport participated for the trophy. Several battles can be remembered even today. Michael Jordan’s dunk-off against Dominique Wilkins, Kobe Bryant’s win at the contest, and even Vince Carter’s dominant performance gave the event the boost it needed to be in the spotlight. As time went by, so did the trend. Many see James’ reluctance to participate as the major reasons other stars of the league don’t entertain the notion.

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As the biggest superstar of this era, all eyes undoubtedly fall on LeBron James. He possessed the skills to put on a dunk fest in games but refused to compete for one night. While congratulating his all-time scorer for his illustrious career and achievements, Smith also gave the Los Angeles Lakers forward a piece of his mind.

The celebrated analyst pinned all the blame for the dying dunk contest onto his shoulders. In a recent ESPN segment, he said, “He has ruined the slam dunk contest. He is personally responsible. That’s right I am saying it”. Smith believes James should have followed the steps the previous greats left and given the fans what they have been longing for nearly two decades. But the NBA fans had mixed feeling towards the 55-year-old’s aggressive comments.

The dream of having LeBron James in the dunk contest might be over now. At 38, his every stride is focused on winning as many NBA championships as he can. As far as his service to the fans, the King makes sure to put on his best during the All-Star game. But if not the Akron Hammer, the NBA fans saw the rise of the dunk contest this season due to Mac McClung. The heavy favorite going into the contest walked off a near-perfect 50-point dunk run and once again got the show going.

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If not for the stars, it seems the most talented dunkers don’t have a problem shouldering the responsibility. Do you think there will be a time the youngster like Ja Morant and Zion Williamson ever step on the floor and fulfill the fans’ dreams? Let us know your views in the comments below