The NBA All-Star weekend got a much-needed boost this year, with the new game format sparking interest and competition among the players. From players playing defense to actual fouls being called when players attacked the basket, fans will hope it is a change that lasts through 2027 in Phoenix.

Speaking of the 2027 All-Star Weekend in Phoenix, the three-point contest could be star-studded, with talks of Damian Lillard, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Devin Booker headlining the event. Therefore, that leaves the dunk contest, a once sought-after event that has received immense criticism over the years.

One player fans have asked for to compete in the dunk contest is LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers star who is now 41 years old and near the end of his career. While competing at this point in his career seems unlikely, there were times before that could've made sense for the NBA legend to compete.

Both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant have competed in the dunk contest, but not LeBron. However, according to his long-time agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, there was consideration in the past.

“At first he was excited about doing it, he had a ankle injury one time, something else happened another time, and in the interview he’s like ‘I’m more of a in game dunker’ — He did feel the responsibility to do it at one time I know that for a fact," Paul said.

The topic of a showcase versus an in-game dunker is often brought up around the dunk contest, especially for players who have highlight reel poster dunks but don't have much flash outside of that.

There's no doubt that James has all the physical tools to throw it down and such, but it's unclear if he has the arsenal of dunks that players like Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon have done in the past.

"At a certain point you realize you know what, this is probably not going to be something I actually do," Paul added.

James might not participate in the dunk contest, but fans still hope that other stars will reconsider and participate. NBA stars like Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and Anthony Edwards are just a few players that fans would love to see on that stage, but something has to change for them to consider it.

However, if the NBA can get a star-studded cast for the three-point contest, perhaps the competitive nature of those star dunkers calls them to suit up once and for all.