Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard is making his return to the Dunk Contest next month, and he's reportedly hoping that Kobe Bryant will help him capture his second title.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Howard is encouraging Laker Nation to convince Kobe to join him in Chicago in February. Following Wednesday night's victory over the New York Knicks, Howard told reporters (H/T ESPN), "I'm trying to get Kobe. So if I can get all the Laker fans to lobby to get Kobe to help me in the dunk contest, that'd be really good. That'd be awesome."
Howard added that he hasn't formally asked Kobe yet, but he is hopeful that the Lakers fanbase will be able to badger the Black Mamba to the point that he'll agree to help.
"Have I asked him? Not yet," he said, per ESPN. "Just got to get the fans behind me first. Setting the table. Need you guys. 'Hey, Kobe, can you get in the dunk contest with Dwight?' That'd be great."
The 34-year old center headlined some of the most memorable Dunk Contest competitions against Nate Robinson during a three-year run from 2007-09, including a championship in 2008. It has been over a decade since he last competed but he believes he's in the best shape of his career and more than capable of putting on a show at the United Center on February 15th.
"I just felt like I'm in the best shape I've been in my whole career," Howard said. "So why not go out there and give it, give it 135 percent, and see what happens?"
"What am I excited about? Just being in the atmosphere," he said. "It's been a long time. I got some pretty good dunks, things ready to go. Just can't wait to get out there, enjoy the atmosphere and try to put on a great show for all our fans. Try to make this 2020 dunk contest the best ever."
Lakers’ Dwight Howard Formally Accepts Dunk Contest Invitation: Watch
Dwight confirms he'll be back in the Dunk Contest this year.
Less than two weeks after shooting down rumors that he planned to compete in the 2020 NBA Dunk Contest, Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard has confirmed that "Superman" is, in fact, making a come back.
Howard, 34, headlined some of the most memorable Dunk Contest competitions against Nate Robinson during a three-year run from 2007-09, including a championship in 2008.
So who will Dwight be competing against in Chicago on February 15th? As of now, the only other confirmed entrant is Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. Memphis Grizzlies rookie point guard Ja Morant was one of the four original invitees, but he recently declined in order to focus on "maintaining good health for the duration of the season." That said, Morant hasn't ruled out competing in future contests.
Two-time dunk champion Zach LaVine was the fourth invitee and his decision still has not been made. According to ESPN's Eric Woodyard, LaVine is still weighing his options, and he'll be "more likely" to participate if he is selected to the Eastern Conference All Star team. The 24-year old high flyer captured the crown in 2015 and 2016 after outlasting Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon in dramatic fashion.
Stay tuned for updates regarding the Dunk Contest, as well as other All-Star Saturday night festivities, as the NBA All-Star weekend is just a few weeks away. In the meantime, relive some of Dwight's greatest Dunk Contest moments in the video embedded below.
Lakers’ Dwight Howard Denies Report Of 2020 Dunk Contest
"I never said anything about a dunk contest."
Dwight Howard may not be returning to the Dunk Contest after all. Earlier this week, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that Howard was a confirmed entrant in the 2020 Dunk Contest, but the veteran center denied that report (albeit with a smile) following Tuesday's win over the New York Knicks.
"Who told you that? I never said anything about a dunk contest. My dunk contest is before the games. I don't know where that came from." Howard added, "I just want to win a championship."
Check out Dwight's comments about his rumored return to the Dunk Contest below.
This doesn't necessarily mean that Dwight won't be competing in his fourth Dunk Contest next month in Chicago, but his inclusion is anything but a sure thing. The 34-year old center headlined some of the most memorable Dunk Contest competitions against Nate Robinson during a three-year run from 2007-09, including a championship in 2008.
It has also been reported that two-time Dunk Contest champion Zach LaVine and Memphis Grizzlies rookie point guard Ja Morant have been invited to participate. Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. has reportedly agreed to compete as well.
Stay tuned for updates regarding the Dunk Contest, as well as other All-Star Saturday night festivities, as the NBA All-Star weekend is just over one month away. In the meantime, relive some of Dwight's greatest Dunk Contest moments in the video embedded below.
Lakers’ Dwight Howard To Enter 2020 NBA Dunk Contest
Howard agrees to participate in 2020 Dunk Contest, Ja Morant reportedly considering.
Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard has reportedly signed on to compete in his fourth Slam Dunk Contest next month in Chicago, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. Howard headlined some of the most memorable Dunk Contest competitions against Nate Robinson during a three-year run from 2007-09, including a championship in 2008.
The 34-year old big man has appeared in 36 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 7.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in a little less than 20 minutes per game. It remains to be seen who Howard will be competing against at the United Center on February 15, but rumors are swirling that Memphis Grizzlies' rookie sensation Ja Morant has also received an invitation and is reportedly considering taking part.
Stay tuned for updates regarding the Dunk Contest, as well as other All-Star Saturday night festivities, as the NBA All-Star weekend is just over one month away. In the meantime, relive some of Dwight's greatest Dunk Contest moments in the video embedded below.
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