For those fans holding out hope that Los Angeles Lakers star forward and Chicago native Anthony Davis would want to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend, that door seems to have been slammed shut. Davis himself stated his lack of interest in doing the event in his hometown next month. When asked, he responded, “I'm an in-game dunker.”

It remains early for potential contestants to throw their names in the hat for participation in the Dunk Contest. Among those reported to be participating are Davis' Lakers teammate, Dwight Howard, along with Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine and Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant. But with Davis likely to be in Chicago during All-Star weekend regardless, and his star power likely to bring eyes to the event, the question seems to be a legitimate one.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Lakers legends Shaq and Kobe Bryant laughing
Shaq ranks his top 10 NBA players of all-timeJedd Pagaduan ·
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins looks on during the fourth quarter between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. in a semifinal of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup.
Kendrick Perkins ends Charles Barkley feud ahead of move to ESPNRandall Barnes ·
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony team up for HBCU scholarshipsRandall Barnes ·
NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set before game three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Stephen A. Smith sends Inside the NBA fans message ahead of ESPN moveJackson Stone ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum.
12 brightest NBA stars who could play at EuroBasket 2025Spencer See ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) looks up after a play during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.
NBA rumors: Suns, Rockets talking Kevin Durant trade with ‘lowered’ asking priceJason Patt ·

Davis may have closed the door on dunking for all of the basketball-watching world to see in mid-February, but he hasn't ruled out returning to Chicago on a more permanent basis after this season. While he holds a player option for over $28.5 million for next season, he could choose to become a highly-sought after free agent should he hit the open market. One potential landing spot that has been particularly appealing to fans is joining the Bulls, just years after Davis suited up in Chicago as a prep star. He is widely expected to re-sign with the Lakers when he hits free agency.

With the Lakers having already made their trip to the Windy City for the 2019-20 regular season, All-Star Weekend marks the final time this campaign that fans will have to see Davis in Chicago. But for now, it certainly appears he won't be breaking out any new tricks for the Dunk Contest.