LeBron James has redefined athleticism for an entire generation, but according to former Los Angeles Lakers star and the 1992 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Cedric Ceballos, one crown was never meant for the King: the All-Star Weekend’s high-flying dunk competition.
In a recent appearance on Byron Scott’s podcast, Ceballos broke down why he believes LeBron, despite being one of the most powerful and iconic dunkers in NBA history, wouldn’t have succeeded in the contest’s format.
“I do not think that LeBron would have achieved in the dunk contest. I mean, powerful dunker, dunks on a lot of people, but the trickery, the suaveness – no. Shannon Brown beat him in the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest.”
It’s a take that has stirred debate across social media, especially given that LeBron has long been considered the greatest player to never participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Since his rookie year, fans clamored for him to enter. But LeBron has always held firm: winning a dunk title was never on his list of goals. During the 2025 All-Star Weekend, he once again reiterated that he had no regrets about skipping the event throughout his two-decade career.
Still, Ceballos, who once blindfolded himself en route to a dunk contest victory, questioned whether LeBron would’ve thrived under the contest’s showman-oriented pressure.
He even referenced LeBron’s high school performance in the 2003 McDonald’s All-American Dunk Contest, inaccurately stating that Shannon Brown beat him.
The truth? LeBron won that contest, but not without critique. His three dunks scored 83, 83, and 84, solid, but hardly breathtaking. Shannon Brown, meanwhile, had a more daring approach and pulled off a 360 dunk from near the foul line, earning 90 points for one attempt. Unfortunately, missed dunks hurt his final score, allowing LeBron to claim the crown mostly by default.
Ceballos’ argument, however, isn’t about results; it’s about style. “Power dunkers,” he said, “aren’t creative enough to win.” He lumped Zion Williamson into that same category, arguing that even Zion’s rim-rattling dunks wouldn’t measure up to the finesse and innovation of Zach LaVine or Aaron Gordon.
It’s a fair point. Dunk contests aren’t about in-game dominance; they’re about creativity, theatrics, and precision under pressure. While LeBron has had some of the most iconic in-game dunks ever, leaping over defenders, smashing home alley-oops, and punishing rims in transition, that doesn’t always translate to the kind of artistry judges reward during All-Star Weekend.
Ceballos’ comments follow recent jabs from former dunk champion Jason Richardson slammed him for not ever participating in the event.
While no one doubts his vertical or showmanship on the court, the Slam Dunk Contest demands a different kind of flair, one even the King may have opted to avoid for a reason.
And if Ceballos is right, maybe LeBron never entered not out of disinterest… but because even the King knows where his throne stops.
