LeBron James is on his way to play in his 21st NBA Season. Moreover, he will be 39 next December. But the question remains if he would don the Team USA jersey again in the Olympics. He has not participated in the previous two Olympics. But the King has been highly successful with Team USA in the Olympics in the past. Moreover, he won two gold medals and a bronze in the past. On top of that, after the way the last FIBA World Cup ended, James can surely boost the American team in the Paris Olympics. Despite being the favorites, Team USA failed to win a single medal in the World Cup.
On the other hand, Team Germany won their first World Cup this year. Dennis Schroder, former Lakers teammate, won the MVP of the tournament. Even in the last World Cup, Team USA did not perform well. Later, in the last Olympics, they brought a new team with Kevin Durant leading the roster. The reinforcement was fruitful. That’s why fans want something similar to happen in the next Olympics as well after a disappointing FIBA World Cup. Hence, they suggest LeBron James return to Team USA for the Paris Olympics after almost a decade.
LeBron James Is Already Planning To Build His Own American Dream Team
According to Shams Charania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic, LeBron James is ready to commit to the Summer Olympic games. Moreover, King James is already looking for more stars to join him in the Team USA for the Paris Olympics. He has a plan to build his own USA Dream Team. As per The Athletic, LeBron James has been talking with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and Jayson Tatum about his Dream Team plan. Will these stars say “Yes” to King James? Only time can confirm that news. But stars like Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, and De’Aaron Fox have shown serious interest in committing to the King’s plan.
However, the roster can have only 12 members. Hence, if more stars show interest, then LeBron James will have to make some tough calls regarding who to cut and who to keep. Depending on chemistry and star power, Steph Curry should be in the starting lineup. Kyrie Irving can be on the bench. Anthony Edwards, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant should get in the starting lineup with LeBron James. Draymond Green, Devin Booker and Jimmy Butler can get in the reserve lineup. As special mentions, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony can return to Team USA duties. Hence, it can be an exciting new American Dream Team of the 21st century for the Paris Olympics.
LeBron Has A Lot More To Give To The Game Of Basketball
Many experts and fans are predicting when King James will announce his retirement. In fact, he almost did after the humiliating exit of the Los Angeles Lakers last season. It was devastating because he had been in search of his 5th NBA Championship ring since winning the fourth in 2020. But the eventual champions, the Denver Nuggets, cleanly swept the Lakers in the last Western Conference Finals.
They blew the Lakers 4-0. It provoked LeBron James to think over his retirement decision. However, after the Lakers did a good job building the roster in the current offseason, LeBron James revealed he still wants to play for a few more years. Clearly, he is not ending his NBA career this year or the next.