You can argue all you want about who “deserved” to win last year’s epic battle between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon, but at the end of event, it was LaVine holding up a dunk contest trophy for the second year in a row.

Although LaVine hasn’t committed to it yet, we are all expecting him to compete again and try to match Nate Robinson’s three dunk contest championships. And if he pulls off dunks like he did in practice today – a 360 from near the free throw line – then he’s probably going to be the favorite to win it again.

THE COMPETITION

Besides Gordon, who else in the league has a good shot at taking down LaVine? My original candidate was DJ Stephens but he was cut by the Grizzlies earlier this season. My other candidate is Derrick Jones of the Phoenix Suns. The former Ballislife All-American Dunk Contest champ has spent most of the season in the D-League, but recently was called-up. Hopefully he will still be available when All-Star weekend comes around.