LeBron James turned down $1 million invite to Slam Dunk Contest

LeBron James never participating in the Slam Dunk Contest remains one of the biggest “what ifs” in NBA history. But it wasn’t for a lack of trying on the NBA’s part.

On Tuesday’s episode of “Run it Back” on FanDuel TV, Vince Carter confirmed an old rumor that the NBA was willing to offer $1 million each in incentives to himself, James, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and a few others to headline the most star-studded Slam Dunk Contest ever.

“Guys didn’t want to do it,” Carter said.

While confirming the same rumor on “The VC Show” last year, Carter revealed he was inclined to participate in the event but decided to “wait and see what the field does.”

“You couldn’t get the commitment from everyone to do it,” Carter added.

Fortunately for fans, they got to witness Carter put on a show for the ages during the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, which also featured his cousin, McGrady. Bryant, too, dazzled fans with a stunning between-the-legs dunk to win the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest as a rookie.

James, however, has maintained his unwillingness to participate in the event since his rookie year in 2003. A host of other superstar players have also been reluctant to show off their high-flying moves outside the setting of a game.

Even the 22-year-old Anthony Edwards dubbed himself an “in-game dunker” when asked if he’d ever change the narrative surrounding the Dunk Contest.

Carter has a plan to pique the interest of star players. Currently, the NBA Slam Contest winner receives $105,000 in prize money. Carter has implored the NBA to up the ante.

“You gave $500,000 to each player for winning the in-season tournament, and $250,000 each to [the] second-placed [team]. What did we get out of that? Guys going hard.”

Grizzlies skywalker Ja Morant previously said he’d be willing to do the Dunk Contest for a $1 million incentive. There’s your cue, NBA.