Vince Carter Reveals LeBron James and Kobe Bryant Turning Down $1 Million Offer to Compete in Slam Dunk Contest

NBA once pitched a Slam Dunk contest between Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.

Vince Carter Reveals LeBron James and Kobe Bryant Turning Down $1 Million Offer to Compete in Slam Dunk Contest

Vince Carter Reveals Slam Dunk Contest (Image credits -Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Vince Carter revealed that LeBron James and Kobe Bryant turned down a $1 million offer to compete in a slam dunk contest.
  • Carter was the only one who expressed interest in participating among the four players offered.
  • The lack of star participation has contributed to the decline in popularity of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

The NBA Slam Dunk contest used to be one of the most anticipated and watched events during the All-Star weekend, since its inception in 1976. Unfortunately over the years, the event has lost its appeal due to various factors.

One of the main factors being the introduction of the three-point shooting contest. Some would say it is the modern-day equivalent to the slam dunk contest. Another factor would be injuries. In the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Tracy McGrady injured his wrist while performing a dunk.

Historically, there have always been criticisms surrounding the dunk contest. One is that players who often compete in these contests are seen as dunkers only. Hence, the NBA fans have been deprived of star power taking part in the contest. The likes of LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and others have never participated in their careers.

Some believe it was James not taking part in the event that led to the decline of the contest. Even with the players that do take part in the event, it feels like there is a lack of effort. The NBA have tried various methods and several people have suggested ideas to fix it, but to no avail.

While the likes of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Julius Erving have all won the contest in the past, no big stars have contested in a long time. Moreover, the trend is going to continue this year as well.

In a conversation with McGrady via The Cousins Podcast, Vince Carter recalled that James, Bryant and the two of them were offered $1 million to compete in a slam dunk contest.

Do you remember the million-dollar phone call? They wanted me, you, Kobe, and Bron for $1 million, and I said, ‘I’m in if everybody else is in.’ End of the day, I would love to get confirmation but I felt like I was the only one who said yes. I never got a phone call back.

Vince Carter via The Cousins Podcast

Mac McClung has won the last three editions of the slam dunk contest. The 27-year-old will not be participating in the contest this year.

Fans react to the James-Bryant Slam Dunk contest that did not happen

It is unfortunate that a player as athletic and explosive as James never participated in the event. Despite being offered a million dollars, it seems that James was still not tempted to participate. NBA fans were quick to take to social media to express their opinions.

Fans were disappointed as it would have been a star-studded dunk contest with four explosive athletes. Now with James being 41-years-old, it is unlikely the NBA world will ever witness the four-time champion in a dunk contest.

Jaxson Hayes will be in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest

Jaxson Hayes may not be a very flashy player, but he did grab all the spotlight when the Lakers took on the Chicago Bulls last week. Despite Doncic’s extraordinary performance on the night, Hayes stole the show with one of the dunks of the season.

The center came off the bench and produced an “Eastbay Dunk”, leaving everyone stunned, including his own teammates. Hayes went on to reveal that he expected to miss the dunk in his post-match interview.

Jaxson Hayes
Jaxson Hayes (Image credits – ESPN)

Now, Hayes will have an opportunity to show off his dunking skills in front of a large audience. With the NBA All-Star weekend approaching, Hayes accepted an invitation to compete in this year’s slam dunk contest. Hayes will be contesting along with Carter Bryant, Jase Richardson, and Keshad Johnson.

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