Knicks’ Nate Robinson to Defend Slam Dunk Title

NEW YORK — Defending champion Nate Robinson will return to the slam dunk contest, trying to become the first three-time winner.

The Knicks guard will be joined by Charlotte's Gerald Wallace and Lakers guard Shannon Brown. The fourth contestant will be determined by a dunk-off during halftime of the rookie game between the Clippers' Eric Gordon and Toronto rookie DeMar DeRozan.

It was a somewhat disappointing field announced Monday, since it didn't include LeBron James, who said during last year's event he was considering taking part Feb. 13 in Dallas.

The 5-foot-9 Robinson won his first title in 2006 and claimed it again last year, leaping over Dwight Howard for one dunk en route to beating the 2008 champion.