It looks like fans won’t be getting a Sprite Slam Dunk contest rematch between the Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon and the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Zach Lavine, as the latter has reportedly declined the invite to show his skills during the upcoming All-Star Weekend in NOLA (Feb. 17-19).
For unclear reasons, the two-time consecutive champion will not be going for a three-peat, per NBA writer Jon Krawczynski.
FWIW … told it’s “unlikely” Zach LaVine participates in the dunk contest. But not sure the door has been completely closed.
— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) January 25, 2017
Lavine has wowed the crowd with some insane dunks since competing in one of the highlights of All-Star Weekend as a rookie in 2015. A two-time consecutive champion, 21-year-old Lavine is also the youngest winner of the competition since 18-year-old Kobe Bryant in 1997.
Last year, Lavine and Gordon’s exciting head-to-head competition was must-watch television, as the players went through two tie-breakers in the final round. In the end, Lavine edged out Gordon by three points.
Who are you hoping can deliver in the coveted contest this year? Sound off in the comments, and relive some of Lavine’s best dunks below.