NBA 2020 All-Star game dunk contest is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing events in the past several years. Los Angeles Lakers announced on Tuesday that their center Dwight Howard will take part in the contest for the first time since 2009.
Lakers’ made the news official via a post on Twitter.
While Howard is so far the only confirmed participant, there are rumors that indicate the rest of the list might contain other spectacular dunkers. One of the names that could be among the contestants is Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine, who was the winner in two consecutive years (2015 and 2016), while also having the highest single-round score (200) and best overall score (299.0) in the history of the contest. LaVine’s participation might be a lock if he is selected an All-Star, considering that the ASG is taking place in Chicago. Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon also might make an appearance, after two unsuccessful attempts to win it all in 2016 and 2017.
Dwight Howard made his first appearance on NBA Dunk Contest in 2007, finishing third. He then returned in 2008 to win it. His last appearance was in 2009, when he was second behind Nate Robinson, despite having a perfect score in the first round.
Howard is currently in his first year with the Lakers, managing to reinvent himself as a utility player. He is currently averaging 7.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.
