Minnesota Timberwolves sophomore guard Zach LaVine will return to defend his title in the 2016 Verizon Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday, February 13 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada.

The 2014 NBA draft 13^th overall pick is seeking a spot to join the Great Michael Jordan (1987 and 1988), Jason Richardson (2002 and 2003) and Nate Robinson (2009 and 2010) as the only solo back-to-back winners of Verizon Slam Dunk.

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LaVine, a former UCLA Bruins player, will be competing against three first-time slam dunk contest participants namely Will Barton of the Denver Nuggets, Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic and the 2016 NBA All-Star Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons.

LaVine, who won the NBA's signature above-the-rim showcase in spectacular fashion as a 19-year-old rookie in the last 64^th All-Stars weekend in New York in 2015, is excited to exhibit his slam dunking skills in Toronto.

"To have the chance to defend my title at the Verizon Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend is very exciting," LaVine said. "I can't wait to go out there, put on a great show for the fans and have some fun."

The 2015 NBA All-Rookie Second Team member is averaging 12.8 points per game, 3.2 assists per outing and 23.8 minutes in 51 games played in his second season with the Timberwolves. He registered his season-high 35 points on January 27 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The former UCLA Bruins player is the sixth Timberwolves player to compete in the All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest and the second Wolves player to appear in the contest in consecutive years. Isaiah Rider won the competition in 1994 and participated again in 1995. Derrick Williams (2012), Gerald Green (2008), Chris Carr (1997) and Doug West (1992) are the other Timberwolves who participated in past Slam Dunk Contests.

LaVine will also be taking part in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, Feb. 12.

TagsZach LaVine, NBA, NBA Slam Dunk Contest, NBA All-Star Weekend