LeBron James is a game-changer in the NBA. He is in the middle of one of the most bizarre controversies of All-Star Weekend this year. The NBA Slam Dunk Contest was popular before. Players like Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Vince Carter made it popular. This year, Keshad Johnson won. His victory surprised many people, which sparked a new debate.
With the 2026 dunk title secured, discussions now extend beyond athleticism. It’s about star legacy, and Stephen A. Smith hasn’t held back. Johnson’s win has triggered a fiery take from the veteran ESPN analyst, who’s placing some of the blame on one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Stephen A. Smith Blames LeBron James for ‘Ruining’ the Dunk Contest
When Keshad Johnson took home the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Championship, it was one of the feel-good moments of the weekend. Johnson delivered creative and technically impressive dunks to edge out a strong field and lift the title.
But for Stephen A. Smith, known for direct takes on First Take and other platforms, this year’s event was less celebration, more symptom of a deeper problem. Smith argued that the contest’s decline stems from a lack of elite star participation and said LeBron James deserves some of the blame.
Smith’s comments quickly spread on social media, with the analyst pinpointing James’ absence during the peak dunk contest era as a turning point:
“I didn’t think about the contest. I want to applaud Keshad Johnson for winning. Pat Riley standing up and applauding him… but we all know it was terrible because there were no star power. I’m going to blame LeBron James. I’ve applauded his greatness and all the things he’s meant to the NBA, but I’ve said it and I’m going to be very consistent… the person who really ruined the slam dunk contest is him.”
Stephen A Smith says LeBron James ruined the dunk contest after a player like Keshad Johnson won 👀
“I didn’t think about the contest. I want to applaud Keshad Johnson for winning. Pat Riley standing up and applauding him… but we all know it was terrible because there were no… pic.twitter.com/KwCnvh10PB
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) February 16, 2026
Smith’s remarks came shortly after Johnson’s triumph and were widely shared online, highlighting the growing fan debate about how much star wattage matters in All-Star events.
Over the years, many elite players, including James, have opted out of the dunk contest, leaving the spotlight to less familiar names. Critics say that the decision erodes viewer interest and diminishes the event’s prestige. It’s not without precedent that past legends like Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady reportedly declined invitations that could have offered huge paydays.
Smith’s commentary on LeBron James brings together two of the NBA’s biggest personalities as part of a larger conversation about entertainment value. This will only further fuel the storylines already being established for the remainder of the season, with Johnson now declared the champion.
