For a fleeting moment in 2015 and 2016, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest was revived. Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine — then with the Minnesota Timberwolves — put on a show in both years, and in 2016, he engaged in a breathtaking battle with Aaron Gordon in what was arguably the greatest Dunk Contest since Vince Carter's “it's over” in 2000.

Well, Gordon is back in the event this year, which had many people salivating over a potential LaVine-Gordon rematch.

But it's not to be.

According to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, the Chicago Bulls guard will not be throwing down any spectacular dunks at All-Star Weekend in a couple of weeks:

“I could’ve done the dunk and 3-point contest. I just chose to do the 3-point contest,” said LaVine, crushing the dreams of fans everywhere. “If I had made it, I would’ve wanted to put on a big-time show for the crowd. I would’ve tried to do all three of them, the All-Star game, dunk contest and three-point contest. It didn’t happen.”

So it seems like LaVine would have taken part in the dunk festivities if he had made the All-Star team, but because he didn't make the cut, he settled for just the 3-Point Contest.

In 52 games this season, LaVine is averaging 24.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals over 34.4 minutes per game while shooting 44.2 percent from the floor, 37.6 percent from 3-point range and 82.8 percent from the free-throw line.

Definitely solid numbers, but the Bulls' lack of success this season almost certainly played a role in preventing LaVine from earning his first All-Star selection. Chicago is just 19-33.

With LaVine not participating in the Slam Dunk Contest, the field is shaping up to be Gordon, Dwight Howard, Derrick Jones Jr. and Pat Connaughton. It's not bad, but LaVine would have been a welcome addition.