LeBron James: 5 Reasons the Miami Heat Star Must Enter NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Given the exploits in the air we witnessed from LeBron James and Blake Griffin this week, it's almost fitting that the NBA All-Star Game is only weeks away.

That gets us thinking about this year's Slam Dunk Contest and why both guys should be in it, especially James.

It also has James thinking about it as well as he hasn't closed the door on the possibility entirely.

Of course we've heard this from LeBron before. In 2009, James vowed to compete in the 2010 contest, then quietly backed out.

This is likely a bad year for the dunk contest with the compressed season. It takes a lot of planning and preparation to compete these days and it's doubtful James will get much time to do so.

But he should do it anyway, and here's a few reasons why.

Credibility

Griffin added some excitement to the dunk contest last season and now it's time to build off that.

It would be nice to finally have a real dunk contest with the league's best dunkers.

Adding James to the mix makes it a more credible event. To have four elite and competitive players who would take this contest seriously would be amazing for the fans.

The Greats Have Competed

James wouldn't be the first superstar to compete; the greats have done it in the past.

Michael Jordan, Julius Erving, Clyde Drexler, Vince Carter, Dwight Howard and Blake Griffin have all participated.

If MJ can do it so can LeBron.

LeBron vs. Griffin

Of course this would require both guys competing in this year's event, but the two could and would put on a show.

Dunking in a dunk contest isn't like dunking in a game, but it would be fun to see two of the best duel it out.

Fans

His image really hasn't been all that great the past couple seasons.

Competing in the contest could go a long way in mending that image with fans.

There's also the fact that the lockout has cost the fans some of their favorite sport. It would be nice if a guy like James would step up and say thanks to the fans for sticking with them.

Again, entering the dunk contest would make James look real good in the public eye.

Props

Given the short period between now and the All-Star game, James might not have the time to think of some of the creative props guys are using today, but he may not to..

He can just jump over people to wow the crowd.

Bringing John Lucas out would get a reaction and then he could bring bigger guys out if need be.