Kings Star Zach LaVine Teases Return to Slam Dunk Contest Following Ja Morant Call Out

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The NBA Slam Dunk Competition has come and gone, and while it was an underwhelming event, G League star Mac McClung stole the show.

More All-Star news: Ja Morant Teases NBA Slam Dunk Appearance Following Mac McClung Epic Performance

McClung proved to be the elite dunker in the field, as he did the previous two times he entered the event. He is now a three-time winner, and it is unclear if he will return next season to defend his crown.

If he decided to do just that, he might have some stiff competition.

On Saturday night, Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant teased an appearance in the dunk contest while also challenging high flyers and stars Nuggets' Aaron Gordon and Kings' Zach LaVine.

Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls and Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game at FedExForum on February 07, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Kings star hints at possibly another go... Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images

It took LaVine a while to respond, but he did so on Sunday, teasing NBA fans as well.

"Thinking I might have too again....," LaVine said on X.

Gordon and LaVine participated in one of the more epic and memorable slam dunk contest battles in 2016 in Toronto. The two boasted 50s across the board, going back and forth. Ultimately, LaVine came out on top, but it was one that many NBA fans would never forget.

The NBA, which thrives on its star, has lacked the star power it needs to make the slam dunk competition worth watching. Not enough big stars or even semi-big stars have competed in the event for the last handful of years.

It lacks star power, but a potential addition of Morant, LaVine, Gordon, or even Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, would do wonders for the event.

Antetokounmpo had this to say to Morant on Saturday night.

The lack of star power has been a problem when it comes to this event, but that could all change next year if these four or even other big-time players decide to throw their hat in the ring.

This was not a problem in the past years as the best of the best participated and competed against each other, like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Julius Erving, Dominique Wilkins, and Vince Carter.

LaVine is a two-time Slam Dunk Contest winner and still can jump with the best of them in the league. He may still have plenty up his sleeve, and we may have to wait a while before he decides to give it another go.

Next year's All-Star game will be in Los Angeles at the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers.

More All-Star news: Fans React to Mac McClung Making NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest History

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For more NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.

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About the writer

Ricardo Sandoval is a Newsweek contributor based in Los Angeles, CA. His focus is sports content. Ricardo has been with Newsweek since 2024 and also writes for On SI for the Lakers, Bucks, Celtics, Pacers, and Trail Blazers sites. Ricardo also is a staff writer for Dodgers Nation. He is a graduate of California State University Northridge. You can get in touch with Ricardo by emailing r.klein@newsweek.com. You can also follow Ricardo on X @_RicardoSand


Ricardo Sandoval is a Newsweek contributor based in Los Angeles, CA. His focus is sports content. Ricardo has been with Newsweek since 2024 and also writes ... Read more