Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) is being enticed to participate in next year's slam dunk contest. (Photo: Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports)
Tags - National Basketball Association
- Magic Johnson
- New York Knicks
- Miami Heat
- LeBron James
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Kevin Durant
It appears that Magic Johnson's $1 million offer to entice LeBron James to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk contest at All-Star weekend next year might just work.
James told ESPN reporter Lisa Salters before the Miami Heat played the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden Sunday that he always thinks about getting in and said he didn't have a response yet to Johnson's offer.
On Friday, Johnson said, "Please, LeBron, get in the dunk contest. I'm going to put up a million dollars. A million dollars from Magic to LeBron. Please get in the dunk contest. I go every year. I want to see you out there. A million to the winner."
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MAGIC: More on his $1 million offer to LeBron
In the interview with Salters, James said, "Tell him I'll get back to him."
At halftime of the Heat-Knicks game, Johnson interviewed Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, who said he'd pledge $1,000 and then in the studio, former columnist Michael Wilbon said he'd match Durant's $1,000.
PHOTOS: LeBron James through the years
LeBron James scored Cleveland's final 25 points as the Cavaliers outlasted the Pistons 109-107 in double overtime of Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 on May 31, 2007. The Cavs overcame a 2-0 series deficit and won in six. Gregory Shamus, Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
In Cleveland, July 8, 2010, will forever be known for 'The Decision,' the day free agent LeBron James announced on ESPN that he was leaving the Cavaliers and taking his 'talents to South Beach' to join the Miami Heat. Bob Luckey, Greenwich Time via AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
After finishing with 26 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in Game 5 of NBA Finals, LeBron James was not only able to hoist his first NBA championship trophy, he also was named MVP of the 2012 NBA Finals. Derick E. Hingle, US Presswire Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron and the Cavaliers were swept by the Spurs in the 2007 NBA Finals, James' first Finals appearance. Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Right after he won an NBA title with the Heat, LeBron James was able to drape himself in the American flag after the USA defeated Spain 107-100 in the men's basketball gold medal game at the London Olympics. Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
South Beach hasn't always been fun and games for LeBron James. Here he walks off the court after Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on June 12, 2011. The Mavericks won 105-95 to win the series. Lynne Sladky, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron James' NBA destiny was confirmed June 26, 2003 when he was drafted No. 1 by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. On draft night, James wore white and shared a laugh with fellow lottery pick Carmelo Anthony. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron James finally got to celebrate his elusive NBA Finals championship in 2012 with the Miami Heat. Robert Mayer, US Presswire Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Cavaliers fans in Cleveland, such as Josh Hall, left, Rob Hose, and Mike Adams reacted to LeBron James' announcement he was leaving the Cavs by setting fire to James' jerseys. Phil Masturzo, Akron Beacon Journal via AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Before he left for Miami, LeBron James (23), celebrating with teammate Sasha Pavlovic after hitting the game winning three pointer against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, was perhaps the most popular athlete in Cleveland sports history. Gregory Shamus, Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron was ruled ineligible and the end of his senior year by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, because he accepted free sports jerseys, bringing a sudden end to the basketball star's celebrated high school career. Tony Dejak, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
The final piece of hardware for King James' 'corination' as an NBA champion came opening night of the 2012-13 season when LeBron James and his Heat teammates were given their championship rings during a ceremony before a game against the Celtics, on Oct. 30, 2012, in Miami. J Pat Carter, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron's jersey was retired at St. Vincent-St. Mary's at his final home game in 2003. Haraz Ghanbari, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Workmen remove a large mural of LeBron James from a building in downtown Cleveland on July 10, 2010 after James, who had played seven years for the Cavaliers, signed with the Miami Heat after becoming a free agent. Mark Duncan, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Shaquille O'Neal, right, of the Miami Heat, and LeBron James, of the Cleveland Cavaliers, dancing together during NBA All-Star basketball practice on Feb. 17, 2007 in Las Vegas. Kevork Djansezian, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron won the first of his three NBA MVP awards while with the Cavaliers in 2009. Here he poses with his mother Gloria during the award ceremony at his high school. Amy Sancetta, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Lebron and his St. Vincent - St. Mary's team frequently played on national television. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron's first sneaker, the Air Zoom Generation launched during his rookie year in 2003. Robin Tinay Sallie, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Heat forward LeBron James (6) celebrates with teammate Dwyane Wade (3) after winning the NBA championship in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena. The Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-106. Steve Mitchell, US Presswire Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron's senior year in high school was marred by controversy, notably when his mother Gloria bought him a Hummer. Tony Dejak, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Before the Big Three of Dwyane Wade, left, Chris Bosh, center, and LeBron James, right, had played a single minute together, the Miami Heat threw an elaborate celebration at Miami's American Airlines Arena on July 9, 2010. Al Diaz, AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron James lays the ball up past Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha during Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals. Miami won 104-98. Pool Photo, US Presswire Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Wearing glasses during postgame news conferences became the hip thing during the 2011-12 season, and LeBron James joined in the spectacle of spectacles. Steve Mitchell, US Presswire Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron James and teammate Dwyane Wade are all smiles after their Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals. The Miami Heat will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron James of the Miami Heat shows some emotion after knocking out the Boston Celtics in five games in the 2011 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Victor Baldizon, NBAE/Getty Images Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
It was during the event to introduce LeBron James, left, and Chris Bosh, right, as Dwyane Wade's newest teammates, that James made his infamous 'Not one, not two, not three ..." prediction about the number of championships the Heat's Big Three would win together. J.Pat Carter AP Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
James' road to NBA stardom seemingly started while he was still in high school. As a standout for St. Vincent-St. Mary's High School in Akron, Ohio, James quickly earned "next big thing" status with sports magazine covers and recognition on the USA TODAY All-USA boys basketball team for three consecutive years. Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron James not only took his talents to South Beach, he also took his pregame powder there as well. Eric Gay, AP Related story
It appears that Magic Johnson's $1 million offer to entice LeBron James to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk contest at All-Star weekend next year might just work.
James told ESPN reporter Lisa Salters before the Miami Heat played the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden Sunday that he always thinks about getting in and said he didn't have a response yet to Johnson's offer.
On Friday, Johnson said, "Please, LeBron, get in the dunk contest. I'm going to put up a million dollars. A million dollars from Magic to LeBron. Please get in the dunk contest. I go every year. I want to see you out there. A million to the winner."
CAN HE TOP THESE? 10 best in dunk contest history
VIDEO: One of LeBron's amazing pregame dunks
MAGIC: More on his $1 million offer to LeBron
In the interview with Salters, James said, "Tell him I'll get back to him."
At halftime of the Heat-Knicks game, Johnson interviewed Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, who said he'd pledge $1,000 and then in the studio, former columnist Michael Wilbon said he'd match Durant's $1,000.
PHOTOS: LeBron James through the years
LeBron James scored Cleveland's final 25 points as the Cavaliers outlasted the Pistons 109-107 in double overtime of Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 on May 31, 2007. The Cavs overcame a 2-0 series deficit and won in six. Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
In Cleveland, July 8, 2010, will forever be known for 'The Decision,' the day free agent LeBron James announced on ESPN that he was leaving the Cavaliers and taking his 'talents to South Beach' to join the Miami Heat. Bob Luckey, Greenwich Time via AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
After finishing with 26 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in Game 5 of NBA Finals, LeBron James was not only able to hoist his first NBA championship trophy, he also was named MVP of the 2012 NBA Finals. Derick E. Hingle, US Presswire
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron and the Cavaliers were swept by the Spurs in the 2007 NBA Finals, James' first Finals appearance. Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Right after he won an NBA title with the Heat, LeBron James was able to drape himself in the American flag after the USA defeated Spain 107-100 in the men's basketball gold medal game at the London Olympics. Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
South Beach hasn't always been fun and games for LeBron James. Here he walks off the court after Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on June 12, 2011. The Mavericks won 105-95 to win the series. Lynne Sladky, AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron James' NBA destiny was confirmed June 26, 2003 when he was drafted No. 1 by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. On draft night, James wore white and shared a laugh with fellow lottery pick Carmelo Anthony. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron James finally got to celebrate his elusive NBA Finals championship in 2012 with the Miami Heat. Robert Mayer, US Presswire
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Cavaliers fans in Cleveland, such as Josh Hall, left, Rob Hose, and Mike Adams reacted to LeBron James' announcement he was leaving the Cavs by setting fire to James' jerseys. Phil Masturzo, Akron Beacon Journal via AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Before he left for Miami, LeBron James (23), celebrating with teammate Sasha Pavlovic after hitting the game winning three pointer against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, was perhaps the most popular athlete in Cleveland sports history. Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron was ruled ineligible and the end of his senior year by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, because he accepted free sports jerseys, bringing a sudden end to the basketball star's celebrated high school career. Tony Dejak, AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
The final piece of hardware for King James' 'corination' as an NBA champion came opening night of the 2012-13 season when LeBron James and his Heat teammates were given their championship rings during a ceremony before a game against the Celtics, on Oct. 30, 2012, in Miami. J Pat Carter, AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron's jersey was retired at St. Vincent-St. Mary's at his final home game in 2003. Haraz Ghanbari, AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Workmen remove a large mural of LeBron James from a building in downtown Cleveland on July 10, 2010 after James, who had played seven years for the Cavaliers, signed with the Miami Heat after becoming a free agent. Mark Duncan, AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Shaquille O'Neal, right, of the Miami Heat, and LeBron James, of the Cleveland Cavaliers, dancing together during NBA All-Star basketball practice on Feb. 17, 2007 in Las Vegas. Kevork Djansezian, AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron won the first of his three NBA MVP awards while with the Cavaliers in 2009. Here he poses with his mother Gloria during the award ceremony at his high school. Amy Sancetta, AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Lebron and his St. Vincent - St. Mary's team frequently played on national television. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron's first sneaker, the Air Zoom Generation launched during his rookie year in 2003. Robin Tinay Sallie, AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Heat forward LeBron James (6) celebrates with teammate Dwyane Wade (3) after winning the NBA championship in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena. The Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-106. Steve Mitchell, US Presswire
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron's senior year in high school was marred by controversy, notably when his mother Gloria bought him a Hummer. Tony Dejak, AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Before the Big Three of Dwyane Wade, left, Chris Bosh, center, and LeBron James, right, had played a single minute together, the Miami Heat threw an elaborate celebration at Miami's American Airlines Arena on July 9, 2010. Al Diaz, AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron James lays the ball up past Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha during Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals. Miami won 104-98. Pool Photo, US Presswire
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
Wearing glasses during postgame news conferences became the hip thing during the 2011-12 season, and LeBron James joined in the spectacle of spectacles. Steve Mitchell, US Presswire
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron James and teammate Dwyane Wade are all smiles after their Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals. The Miami Heat will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron James of the Miami Heat shows some emotion after knocking out the Boston Celtics in five games in the 2011 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Victor Baldizon, NBAE/Getty Images
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
It was during the event to introduce LeBron James, left, and Chris Bosh, right, as Dwyane Wade's newest teammates, that James made his infamous 'Not one, not two, not three ..." prediction about the number of championships the Heat's Big Three would win together. J.Pat Carter AP
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
James' road to NBA stardom seemingly started while he was still in high school. As a standout for St. Vincent-St. Mary's High School in Akron, Ohio, James quickly earned "next big thing" status with sports magazine covers and recognition on the USA TODAY All-USA boys basketball team for three consecutive years. Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related story Fullscreen ![None]()
LeBron James not only took his talents to South Beach, he also took his pregame powder there as well. Eric Gay, AP
Related story