Over the years, the NBA has sparked plenty of conspiracy theories — and interestingly, LeBron James’s name has popped up more than once.
The first theory is probably the most well-known: Some fans believe the 2003 NBA Draft lottery was rigged so that LBJ, who grew up in Ohio, would land with his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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The second theory isn’t quite as famous. It started gaining traction in late February 2005, when sports commentator Skip Bayless questioned James’s decision to skip the Slam Dunk Contest during that year’s All-Star Weekend.
“Call me Oliver Stone Jr. Call me names for daring to question The Chosen One. But, considering James’ open reluctance to participate in the dunk contest, this looked suspicious. Was he creating an excuse on the eve of All-Star Weekend?” Bayless wrote for ESPN at the time.
LBJ missed the dunk contest
In 2005, excitement for the NBA All-Star Weekend in Denver, Colorado, was through the roof — not just for the usual festivities, but because fans were eager to witness Bron make his mark.
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At just 20 years old, the Cavaliers’ rising star had earned his first All-Star selection in only his second season. Even more exciting? Rumors swirled that the basketball phenomenon would showcase his breathtaking athleticism in the Slam Dunk Contest.
But just days before the big weekend, expectations took a hit. During a Cavs game in Minnesota, “King James” left the court early with flu-like symptoms. Although the reigning ROY managed to return a bit later, his appearance in the Dunk Contest was soon ruled out.
When the All-Star Weekend began, LeBron explained why he wouldn’t be competing. The future four-time MVP said that not only was he still feeling sick, but he was also dealing with a sore ankle.
“I’m still a little sick,” LBJ told reporters. “And my ankle’s a little tender. I’m not getting as much lift as I know I can get off this ankle.”
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A silent protest?
James’ decision to skip the dunk contest may have seemed fair, but Bayless, writing for ESPN, openly questioned it. He first pointed to the Cavaliers game against the Timberwolves.
“James had to be helped to the locker room early in the fourth quarter. Cavaliers officials said he had the flu. James returned with about four minutes left and played reasonably hard and well, though he once sank to his knees during a timeout,” wrote the now 73-year-old.
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The doubts didn’t stop there. Skip also questioned the talk of lingering ankle issues, citing James’ explosive play just days earlier.
“Huh? The ankle that cost him two games in January isn’t well yet? Could’ve fooled Miami’s Damon Jones, who was posterized when James turned himself into a Heat-seeking missile on Feb. 3,” he pointed out.
Furthermore, the Oklahoman pointed out that the dominant 6’9″ forward looked completely unaffected by the flu or any ankle issues during the rookie vs. sophomore game.
“The same guy who had to be helped from the floor 24 hours earlier scored 20 points. The same guy who said he can’t get max lift off that ankle managed four dunks, including a show-stopping David Thompson memorial windmill,” the article noted.
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Ultimately, Bayless argued James — who had never joined the dunk contest in his 22 NBA years — skipped it in 2005 not because of health reasons but as a quiet protest.
While the league and TV networks made big profits, the contest winner earned very little. The television personality compared this to golf stars like Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson not playing in the Ryder Cup because of unfair revenue sharing at the time.
Whatever the real reason, one thing is clear: LBJ’s absence was felt. Josh Smith may have won that year, but if the current Los Angeles Lakers star had taken part, the outcome might have been different.