The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest was largely considered a disappointment. Fans tuned in with expectations of a memorable showcase, but the event fell flat. There were notable highlights, including Carter Bryant’s between-the-legs dunk that earned a perfect 50, and Miami’s Keshad Johnson edging out the highly touted Spurs rookie to claim victory.
However, the contest did not generate the excitement of past years. Analysts have questioned, “What if LeBron James had participated?” Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal has now weighed in, offering his perspective.
Shaquille O’Neal Speaks Out on LeBron James Declining NBA Dunk Contest
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, O’Neal was asked indirectly whether James diminished the Slam Dunk Contest by never competing. O’Neal emphasized that he did not wish to criticize James, but acknowledged that he had always hoped to see him participate at least once.
“I’m not gonna criticize LeBron, but as a fan, you’d like to see the best compete,” O’Neal said in the interview. “It’s very unfortunate and sad that he didn’t compete. I’m not gonna say it’s his fault, but I would’ve loved to see him compete in the dunk contest.
“I played with him a couple of years, and every now and then he’d do something in the layup line that’d make the crowd go crazy.”
Shaq asked if LeBron ruined the dunk contest:
“I’m not gonna criticize LeBron but as a fan, you’d like to see the best compete. It’s very unfortunate and sad that he didn’t compete. I’m not gonna say it’s his fault but I would’ve loved to see him compete in the dunk contest. I… pic.twitter.com/pvJvqriTha
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 1, 2026
O’Neal’s remarks carry weight given his own legacy as a dunking icon. He recorded 2,626 official career dunks in regular-season play, ranking second all-time since the statistic began being tracked in 1996. One of his most memorable moments came during his tenure with the Orlando Magic, when he shattered the basket support with a powerful slam.
James’ agent, Rich Paul, revealed in a prior interview that James had shown enthusiasm for the dunk contest early in his career. However, concerns about injury were a significant factor in his decision not to participate.
“At first, he was excited about doing it. He had an ankle injury one time, something else happened another time,” Paul said.
That concern was not unfounded. In November 2009, James injured his left wrist during a game against the Washington Wizards after striking it against the rim while attempting a dunk. Though the injury was diagnosed as a minor sprain, it underscored the risks associated with high-impact plays.
James is currently in his 23rd NBA season. Should he return for another year, it remains uncertain whether he would ever reconsider competing in the Slam Dunk Contest before he hangs it up.
