Former LA Lakers great Magic Johnson has offered LeBron James $1 million to participate in next year's dunk contest. The Miami Heat forward has never taken part in the NBA's All Star Weekend dunk contest, now he might have a million reasons to think about it.
LeBron James has declined to participate in the Dunk Contest for several years
"Please, LeBron, get in the dunk contest. I'm going to put up a million dollars," Johnson said on ESPN's Kia NBA Countdown. "A million dollars from Magic to LeBron. Please get in the dunk contest. I go every year. I want to see you out there. A million to the winner."
The NBA currently pays $100,000 to the winner of the dunk contest and $50,000 for the runner-up.
Johnson's offer might get him to think about it
James has recently been throwing down trophy-worthy dunks in pregame warm ups for the Miami Heat, but has declined to participate in the dunk contest for the past several years for unknown reasons.
Jalen Rose called for more elite players to take part, as well.
"LeBron James, Blake Griffin both have to be in it," Rose said on the show, and Johnson agreed. "All-Star-caliber players helping build the league during All-Star weekend."
Blake Griffin won the contest in 2011.
