LeBron James has set new standards for athleticism across a generation, but Cedric Ceballos, former Los Angeles Lakers player and 1992 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, argues that LeBron’s powerful dunks would not have translated into success in the high-flying All-Star Weekend competition. On Byron Scott’s podcast, Ceballos explained why, despite LeBron’s dominance, he doubts the King would have excelled in the contest’s unique style-driven environment.
The Differences Between Game Dunks and Slam Dunk Contest Success
LeBron has consistently showcased some of the most memorable dunks in NBA history, with powerful alley-oops, aggressive finishes, and emphatic rim punishments during games. However, Ceballos pointed out that the Slam Dunk Contest rewards creativity, finesse, and spectacle rather than pure power. He emphasized the importance of “trickery” and “suaveness,” areas where he felt LeBron’s dunking style might fall short.
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.
—Cedric Ceballos, 1992 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion
Though Ceballos’ reference to Shannon Brown beating LeBron in a high school contest is not accurate—LeBron actually won the 2003 McDonald’s All-American Dunk Contest—his point about style remains a central piece of the debate. LeBron’s three dunks scored in the low 80s, solid yet unspectacular, while Shannon Brown’s attempts were more daring, including a 360 dunk from near the foul line that earned a high score but was ultimately offset by missed attempts. LeBron’s victory was more by steady execution than flashiness.
Power vs. Creativity: The Contest’s Demands
Ceballos classified LeBron among the “power dunkers,” a group he claims lacks the type of creativity required to win such competitions. He included Zion Williamson in the same category, noting that although Zion delivers thunderous dunks, his style may not match the imaginative displays of players like Zach LaVine or Aaron Gordon, who have both excelled in the contest with innovative and artistic dunking styles.
The Slam Dunk Contest’s format prioritizes theatricality and precision, favoring athletes who combine athleticism with inventiveness to impress judges and audiences alike. While LeBron’s in-game dunks showcase athletic prowess and dominance, the artistry demanded by the contest is an altogether different challenge, one where finesse and showmanship can outweigh raw power.
Ongoing Debate and LeBron’s Own Stance
LeBron has never participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, despite fan calls dating back to his rookie season. He has consistently stated that winning a dunk title was never an objective in his career. During the 2025 All-Star Weekend, he reiterated that he holds no regrets about opting out of the event throughout his two decades in the league.
Ceballos’ remarks have stirred conversation on social media and among former players. Jason Richardson, a former dunk champion, also criticized LeBron for not joining the contest. The discussion raises questions about whether LeBron’s decision was rooted in an awareness of what the event demands versus a simple lack of interest.
The possibility exists that LeBron recognized the different skill set the contest demands—skills that focus more on creativity and performance than the in-game athletic dominance he is known for—leading him to abstain from entering an arena where power alone is not enough to claim victory.
Future Implications and LeBron’s Legacy
With speculation growing over LeBron’s eventual retirement and shifts in the league’s star power, the discussion around his absence from the dunk contest adds another layer to his legacy. While he is celebrated for rewriting basketball history with his all-around game, the Slam Dunk Contest remains a noted exception to his honors.
Whether his choice to skip the contest was strategic or personal, it reflects the nuanced differences between excelling in NBA games and thriving in the spectacle of All-Star Weekend competitions. Regardless, LeBron’s influence on the sport continues to provoke debate and admiration in equal measure, highlighting the distinct arenas where different skills come to the forefront.