LeBron James Missed Dunk Attempt Causes Talk

LeBron James recently tried a dunk during a game but missed and the ball went out. This has caused some people to talk about his career and why he never did the NBA dunk contest.
By Newsroom | Basketball, Los Angeles |

A Missed Opportunity Sparks Debate

A recent dunk attempt by LeBron James, a well-known player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has become a focal point of discussion. The play, which occurred during a game, resulted in a missed dunk and subsequent fumbled ball out-of-bounds. This incident has led to varied reactions, including criticism from prominent sports commentators and lively exchanges on social media platforms.

Background of the Incident

The event took place on May 19, 2023, during a game in Denver. LeBron James, known for his scoring prowess, approached the rim for what appeared to be a windmill dunk, a move reminiscent of his earlier career. However, the execution did not match the intention, as he fumbled the ball out-of-bounds.

  • This occurrence is significant given James's status as the NBA's all-time leading scorer in both regular season and playoffs.

  • The miss happened at a critical juncture, with the Lakers facing the Denver Nuggets.

Public and Media Reactions

The fumble immediately drew attention, particularly from Stephen A. Smith, a commentator on ESPN's "First Take." Smith voiced strong opinions, suggesting that James's failure to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest throughout his career is a "blemish" on his legacy, a sentiment he discussed on his show in February 2024.

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  • Social media platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with user comments.

  • Fans expressed surprise and amusement at the unusual miscue. Some attributed it to the ball slipping, while others simply found the moment notable.

Historical Context of Dunk Contest Mishaps

While this particular instance involved a game situation, the NBA's Slam Dunk Contest has a history of memorable, albeit less successful, attempts. Reports from February 2025 highlighted various "disastrous dunks" in the contest's past, including notable blunders by players like Jaylen Brown and Darell Armstrong. These instances, though separate from James's game attempt, underscore that even skilled athletes can face challenges during high-pressure dunking situations.

  • The Dunk Contest is designed for spectacular, often risky, athletic displays.

  • Failures within the contest are often magnified due to the event's focus on execution and entertainment.

Analysis of James's Career and the Dunk Contest

The criticism leveled by figures like Stephen A. Smith centers on the perceived absence of LeBron James from the Dunk Contest as a mark against his otherwise decorated career.

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  • Smith's Argument: James's avoidance of the contest, unlike many other NBA legends, is seen by some as a missed opportunity to showcase a different facet of his athleticism on a specific stage.

  • Counterpoint (Implied): James's consistent performance and numerous accolades in actual game play are paramount to his overall career achievement. The Dunk Contest is a distinct event, and participation is a choice, not a requirement for greatness. The fumble itself, in a game, is a different category of event than a failed dunk in a competition.

Unanswered Questions and Implications

The incident prompts further consideration:

  • Does a player's participation, or lack thereof, in the Slam Dunk Contest truly impact their overall basketball legacy?

  • How should a single missed play, especially in a regular game, be weighed against a player's extensive career achievements?

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The discussion surrounding LeBron James's missed dunk attempt, and the broader commentary it has ignited, highlights the varied ways fans and analysts evaluate athletic performance and career narratives.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened with LeBron James?
LeBron James tried to dunk in a game but missed and the ball went out of bounds. This was on May 19, 2023.
Q: Why are people talking about this?
Some people are talking about it because LeBron James is a famous player and he never joined the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. A commentator said this is a "blemish" on his career.
Q: Did LeBron James ever do the dunk contest?
No, LeBron James has never participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during his career.
Q: Is missing a dunk in a game a big deal?
Missing a dunk in a game can happen to any player. People are talking about this more because of who LeBron James is and the discussion about the dunk contest.