NBA Rumors: Slam Dunk Contest To Take Place At Halftime Of 2021 All-Star Game
Aaron Gordon
Lampson Yip-Clicks Images

The NBA stunned the basketball community with making plans to hold the 2021 All-Star Game in Atlanta instead of offering players a well-deserved break.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James quickly offered a blunt assessment of the league’s plans, saying he had “zero energy and zero excitement about an All-Star Game” in the current circumstances. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still impacting the NBA, forcing the teams to comply with strict health restrictions in addition to playing a compact 72-game season after a mere eight-week layover.

Other stars, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard, joined in criticizing league officials for their actions. Meanwhile, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the league isn’t cracking under pressure but is now planning to incorporate player competitions into the event, which are usually the pinnacle of the All-Star Weekend on Saturday:

The NBA is progressing on a plan to incorporate the slam dunk competition into halftime of the All-Star Game on March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, sources told ESPN. A three-point shootout and skills competition are also expected to be part of the Sunday night event, sources said.

The 2021 All-Star Weekend was originally set to take place in Indianapolis, but the NBA decided to cancel the event after confirming the format of the 2020-21 season.

LeBron leads NBA in latest All-Star Voting returns

Although James isn’t looking forward to the All-Star Game this year, the 36-year-old forward said he would show up in Atlanta if selected.

And it’s unlikely the Lakers superstar won’t make the Western Conference’s starting five as he led the league in the All-Star voting according to the latest ballot returns.

James leapfrogged Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant raking in 4.4 million votes, around 100,000 more than the former Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder leader.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers Media Day: LeBron James Gives Update On Foot Injury Progression

It has been somewhat forgotten about as time has passed, but Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James…

Lakers Rumors: There’s ‘Growing Likelihood’ L.A. Looks To Trade 17th Pick With Malik Beasley & Mo Bamba For Roster Upgrades

With the NBA Draft just around the corner, the Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of different paths they can take to upgrade their roster…

Lakers Hire Dr. Leroy Sims As Director Of Player Performance & Health

The Los Angeles Lakers announced that they have hired Dr. Leroy Sims, MD, MSc, CAQSM, FACEP…

Lakers News: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Receives Third-Place Defensive Player Of The Year Vote

For the third time in the last four seasons, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year…