You know what really grinds my gears? The fact that Magic Johnson has offered LeBron James $1 million to participate in the dunk contest. Yes, you read that correctly.

Magic Johnson offered LeBron $1 million to dunk.

Oh yeah, ESPN analyst Michael Wilbon offered to throw in $1,000 to see it happen as well.

Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see LeBron participate in the coolest event during the NBA All-Star Weekend.

Just look at his recent pre-game dunks during warm-ups.

They’re a lot more creative and difficult than jumping over the hood of a car or failing to recreate one of Vince Carter’s or Michael Jordan’s dunks.

Not to mention LeBron is arguably the most powerful dunker in the game.

I don’t want to see LeBron participate in it if he doesn’t truly want to.

He hasn’t participated in a contest during his career so far, for whatever reason, and quite frankly I’d be fine if he didn’t. I’d rather see players who are fully dedicated participate because you know that they’ll try their best.

I understand why Magic offered him $1 million. The hype, TV ratings and revenue LeBron would bring to the NBA by simply saying he’ll be a contestant in the dunk contest would be record-breaking. I won’t lie, I’d be glued to the television as well.

But if you need to be bribed $1 million to participate, on top of the $100,000 given to the winner and $50,000 given to the runner-up, then it’s probably safe to say you’re not completely invested in it. Not to mention he’d be helping out the league that pays him millions of dollars to begin with.

On top of it all, LeBron doesn’t even need another million.

Magic Johnson should put his money into something more useful, say more funding for HIV research considering the breaking news that happened a few days ago. For those who don’t know, a child was cured of HIV.

I know he has the Magic Johnson Foundation that supports HIV research, but another million can’t hurt.

He can also invest that money into schools, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, global organizations that help those in need, etc. You get the point.

I just don’t see the point of giving a millionaire another million to participate in a dunk contest. There are more worthy things that Magic can invest his money into instead of a man who has repeatedly turned down the event.

Think more responsibly, Magic, and maybe you can instill a little bit of magic into a child’s life.