Fans have been begging LeBron James to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend since he entered the league. Every year James teases the possibility of entering the contest but yet never does. Former Los Angeles Lakers point guard and current NBA analyst Magic Johnson is among the list of people calling on James to show his skills. ESPN's Jalen Rose is reporting that Johnson is offering James one million dollars to enter the dunk contest.
Johnson said Friday during ESPN's Kia NBA Countdown that he would put up a million dollars to James if he enters into the contest. Winner takes the money.
"Please, LeBron, get in the dunk contest. I'm going to put up a million dollars. A million dollars from Magic to LeBron. Please get in the dunk contest. I go every year. I want to see you out there. A million to the winner," Johnson said.
The request for James in the contest only heightens during James' pre-game rituals. The Heat star is known to throw down a few high-soaring dunks during warmups to get the fans excited for the game.
James has long been thought of as the person that could bring some relevancy back into the dunk contest. Creativity has been stagnated over the years, featuring a stream of players that barely get any minutes during a regular game. Adding the league's biggest super star could bring some better presence to the contest that used to be highlighted by players like Michael Johnson and Dominique Wilkins.
Rose also called for more elite players to start participating in the annual contest.
"LeBron James, Blake Griffin both have to be in it. All-Star-caliber players helping build that league during All-Star weekend," Rose said.
The NBA currently pays $100,00 to the winner and $50,000 to the runner-up. Johnson's offer might be the needed incentive for James to join in.
