Lebron James Debates Ending Pre-Game Dunk Ritual

Years ago, a much younger (and lighter) Shaquille O'Neal filmed a commercial where he sought to impress NBA greats by dunking. Before shattering the backboard (You could do that in those days), he uttered the iconic line "Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk." Little did he know that the All Star staple bearing the dunk's name would become so irrelevant, with fans hoping it would reclaim it's lost magic. According to the Bleacher Report, there was an estimated 36 missed dunks in the 2013 competition. To bring credibility back to the dunk contest, it would take a miracle. 

Or a King. 

Lebron James has been hounded by fans and press alike to enter the All Star dunk contest. Young fans want to see him replicate the amazing dunks he treats the Miami Heat faithful to before every home game. Older fans, including former players, nostalgic for the days of Dr. J and Jordan want to see him bring relevance back to the game. Although he's claimed that he was too old for the dunk contest, he almost gave in as he stated in a recent interview.

"I was very close to getting into the dunk contest, man," James noted. "For me, I've always been an in-game dunker. When you've got to be in the dunk contest, you've got to be creative, figure out ways to do something that no one has done in the dunk contest. I couldn't figure that out."

There's always been a belief that superstars like Kobe or Lebron don't enter the dunk contest because there's no financial incentive, and that they would lose a bit of their star luster if they were to lose to some lesser player or benchwarmer on a mission. Forbes.com contends that the financial potential outweighs any possible embarrassment. According to writer Kurt Badenhausen, "It could be a huge boost for Nike. Let's say James wore special dunk contest King James sneakers with a unique colorway. Promote them for a month, win the contest in them and never wear them again."

Limited edition Lebron dunk shoes could make many cash registers hum, but is the 10-year veteran and reigning NBA champion up to the challenge? Recently he expressed his frustration with the fan outcry for him to enter in light of his showcasing his talents in pre-game dunk exhibitions. "Maybe I should stop because its making a lot of people mad at what I do," James said. "They're like "Well, if you can do it in warm-ups, why don't you [want to] be in the dunk contest?"

In the meantime, fans would be wise to enjoy things as they are and as they save up hope (and perhaps dollars) for Lebron's appearance at the 2014 All Star weekend.