NBA: Zach LaVine declines 2017 slam dunk contest invite—report

Zach LaVine. (Mark Blinch/The Canadian Press via AP)

Looks like defending two-time NBA slam-dunk champion Zach LaVine will not be looking for a three-peat after all.

NBA fans have been salivating over a potential high-flying rematch between NBA studs LaVine and Aaron Gordon, who both captivated audiences with a gravity-defying showdown during last year’s Sprite Slam Dunk competition.

But according to Michael Scotto of Baskeball Insiders, the do-over will not materialize, as the Minnesota Timberwolves guard has declined to defend his title and will forego this year’s festivities.

Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine won’t compete in the 2017 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, sources told Basketball Insiders.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 25, 2017

LaVine’s refusal is a letdown for most fans, especially since many believed Gordon was robbed of the victory last year and deserves another shot versus the supremely athletic 21-year-old.

Last year, Gordon displayed never-before seen throw downs, capped off by a ridiculous under-the-legs, over-the-mascot dunk which many believed was enough to secure the title.

LaVine, however, dazzled with an equally impressive array of 360 and windmill dunks from the charity stripe, which pundits found to be repetitive and eerily similar to one of Gordon’s dunks.

Regardless, LaVine came out the victor in one of the best aerial showdowns the league has had in the history of its highly anticipated slam dunk competition.

Still, fans will have something to look forward to as the Orlando Magic leaper has confirmed his participation, despite LaVine’s decision to pull out.

Meanwhile, both the high-flying youngsters are currently enjoying their best seasons in their young careers, with LaVine averaging 19.2 points while shooting over 40 percent from the field. Gordon, on the other hand, logs in 11.6 points per game, and has become one of the go-to guys of the young Magic team.

The NBA has yet to announce this year’s official slam dunk participants, but earlier reports have indicated San Antonio leaper Jonathan Simmons and Boston Celtics rookie Jayden Brown as possible contestants.

Even contest veterans and former champions Gerald Green and Vince Carter have teased their possible compliance.

READ: Vince Carter on joining slam dunk contest: It’s possible

Prior to LaVine’s participation in the 2014-15 season, the dunk contest has been marred by poor showings, but last year’s madness has indeed made it a must-see show once more.

Check out the highlights of last year’s LaVine-Gordon duel below. Khristian Ibarrola