ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith blames LeBron James for Slam Dunk Contest decline

The 2026 National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Weekend brought glitz, experimentation, and plenty of debate as the league staged its midseason spectacle in Inglewood, California. The All-Star Game itself was held at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, marking another milestone moment for the NBA’s newest arena.

This year’s edition introduced a revamped format aimed at injecting competitiveness and fresh intrigue into the exhibition showcase. Instead of the traditional East vs. West matchup, the league rolled out a USA vs. the World concept featuring a three-team round-robin tournament culminating in a championship game. The change was designed to spark pride and rivalry while giving fans a different viewing experience.

In the end, the USA Stars emerged victorious in the All-Star tournament, with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards earning All-Star Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors after a series of electrifying performances. Edwards’ athleticism and charisma were among the highlights of the weekend, offering a glimpse into the NBA’s next generation of superstars.

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Despite the buzz surrounding the new format, much of the post-weekend conversation centered on one of the event’s most storied traditions: the Slam Dunk Contest. Long regarded as the crown jewel of All-Star Saturday Night, the contest has historically delivered some of the most iconic moments in basketball history. This year, Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson claimed the title, showcasing creativity and athleticism to secure the trophy.

However, the reaction from fans and analysts was mixed. While Johnson celebrated a career-defining achievement, many observers voiced disappointment, arguing that the contest lacked the star power and jaw-dropping theatrics that once made it must-see television. Social media lit up with critiques suggesting the event no longer carries the same weight or excitement as it did during its golden eras.

“We all know it was terrible because there was no star power. … The person who really is the provocateur to ruin the slam dunk contest was [LeBron James].”

—@stephenasmith on why he skipped this year’s dunk contest 👀 pic.twitter.com/eB9qCwGBt4

— First Take (@FirstTake) February 16, 2026

Among the loudest voices was ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, known for his fiery delivery and polarizing takes. Speaking on First Take, Smith offered a controversial opinion, placing blame for the Dunk Contest’s perceived decline on LeBron James — despite the Lakers superstar never having participated in the event.

“I’m going to blame LeBron James. Now, I have sat here for months and I have applauded his greatness and all the things he had done and he has meant to the NBA, but I have said it and I’m going to be very consistent. The person who really is the provocateur to ruin the slam dunk contest is him,” Smith said.

“He was a superstar who put on a dunk contest every night in the layup line, particularly when he knew there was momentum swelling for him to participate, and he never did. He even teased that he was going to participate one year,” he added.

Smith’s argument hinges on the belief that James, widely regarded as one of the most athletic and dominant players in league history, could have revitalized the contest during his prime years had he chosen to compete. Throughout the mid-2000s, fan campaigns and media pressure mounted annually for James to enter the Dunk Contest, but the four-time NBA champion ultimately declined each time.

Notably, James has never taken part in a Slam Dunk Contest during his illustrious career — a stark contrast to fellow all-time great Michael Jordan. Jordan famously won back-to-back Dunk Contest titles in 1987 and 1988 with the Chicago Bulls, producing moments that remain etched in NBA lore and helping elevate the contest’s prestige during its peak popularity.

The debate underscores a broader conversation about the evolution of All-Star Weekend. While today’s players continue to push the boundaries of athleticism, some critics argue that established superstars have increasingly opted out of marquee events, leaving rising or role players to carry the torch. Whether the solution lies in incentivizing participation from elite names or further tweaking the format remains a topic of discussion within league circles.

As the NBA reflects on the 2026 All-Star experiment, one thing is certain: the Slam Dunk Contest remains a lightning rod for debate. And with outspoken figures like Stephen A. Smith weighing in, the conversation around its future — and the legacy of those who chose not to participate — is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

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