Report: Howard to compete in Slam Dunk contest, Ja considers joining him

Superman will be in the building for next month's Slam Dunk contest in Chicago.

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard will participate at the marquee event during All-Star Weekend, league sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

The eight-time All-Star has competed in the event three times, winning the competition in 2008.

Howard has busted out the Superman cape on multiple occasions and famously came out of a phone booth dressed as the superhero during the 2009 edition of the event.

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant has also been invited to compete, league sources told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.

However, the Murray State product has yet to commit to the showcase event.

"It's something I'm thinking about," Morant told Haynes. "I haven't made a decision yet."

Morant's freakish athleticism, smooth ball-handling, and playmaking wizardry have earned him a spot on many highlight reels during his brief collegiate and professional careers.

The 20-year-old participating in the Slam Dunk contest would be quite remarkable because Morant didn't record his first jam until his senior year of high school.

The high-flying guard has averaged 17.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.2 boards across 31 appearances this season.

Morant is considered the front-runner for this year's Rookie of the Year Award.

The Miami Heat later appeared to confirm the participation of forward Derrick Jones Jr. The athletic wing finished as the runner-up to Glenn Robinson in 2017 but had to withdraw prior to last year's Slam Dunk contest due to a knee injury.

The final participant could be Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine. The two-time Slam Dunk champion has received an invite, but like Morant, he hasn't made a final decision, sources told ESPN's Eric Woodyard.

LaVine defeated Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon in an epic 2016 showdown, which required two extra rounds.