The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at the Intuit Dome hasn’t exactly been the spectacle everyone hoped for. Empty seats have dominated the arena, and the mini-tournament on the second day failed to generate much buzz.
Now, in the aftermath of a disappointing Slam Dunk Contest, one prominent NBA analyst has unexpectedly turned his attention to Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James.
An NBA Analyst’s Recent Comment Regarding LeBron James
On Saturday, veteran analyst Skip Bayless did something that no one really expected. But it was also something that he is known for. He took to social media and called out James. However, this time, the criticism wasn’t harsh or insulting.
Instead, Bayless expressed disappointment that James has never participated in the Slam Dunk Contest. He said he wished James had competed in it at least once.
“Man, I wish LeBron James had just competed in one Dunk Contest. Just one. Just had that much courage, for all his fans,” wrote Bayless on X.
This sudden tweet from the outspoken analyst became much more understandable after witnessing the mediocre showcase of skills at the 2026 dunk contest.
The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest proved disappointingly mediocre. It failed to recapture the magic of past classics despite a few bright spots like Carter Bryant’s perfect 50 on a flashy between-the-legs jam.
Ultimately, Miami’s Keshad Johnson edged out the favored Spurs rookie with consistent, if unspectacular, efforts, while other participants like Jaxson Hayes delivered painfully ordinary dunks that left fans calling the event outright forgettable.
It’s worth noting that James was named an All-Star for the 22nd time in his career in 2026. Yet through all these All-Star appearances spanning over two decades, he’s never once stepped into the dunk contest spotlight. It’s one of the most glaring omissions in his otherwise legendary resume.
Recently, the King’s longtime agent, Rich Paul, shed some light on this decision. Paul, who has been by James’ side through his entire NBA journey with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Lakers, offered his perspective on why the four-time champion has consistently avoided the competition.
“If he won, they just would’ve said it was rigged,” Paul said when he was a guest on the “Game Over Pod.”
Whether James ever participates or not, one thing is certain: his impact on the game goes far beyond any dunk contest. Still in a mini tournament that desperately needed star power, his absence from that stage feels more noticeable than ever.
