At 39 years old, LeBron James has proved again that age is oftentimes just a number. The Los Angeles Lakers star took the USA to a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal after they beat France 98-87 in the men’s basketball finals on Saturday. With celebrations in full swing, the basketball veteran has dropped some heart-breaking news.
Following the victory over the French at the Paris Olympics, Team USA players and coaching crew all celebrated with their medals. However, James who was one of the standout performers alongside Stephen Curry, has now hinted he may be absent at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
I can’t see myself playing in Los Angeles 2028. I didn’t see myself playing in Paris 2024 too. But four years from now, I can’t see it. LeBron James said after winning the gold medal
LeBron James: “I can’t see myself playing in Los Angeles 2028. I didn’t see myself playing in Paris 2024 too. But four years from now, I can’t see it.”
— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) August 10, 2024
According to LeBron James, he never imagined that he would be a part of Team USA for this year’s edition in Paris. Furthermore, he asserts that representing his country once again in the next Olympic Games on home soil is a very unlikely scenario.
It remains to be seen who will step into the big shoes of James if he makes good on his recent statements in the coming years. However, there is no shortage of talents in the NBA who will step up when called upon. So, the USA will have no problem when the time comes.
This is the fourth Olympic Games for James and also his third gold medal. Furthermore, the Lakers legend was among the players named to the All-Star Five of the Olympic tournament. Alongside teammate Curry, who was equally phenomenal in the last two games, they were the only Americans on the list.
Should he decide not to play again in the next edition, he will have an enviable legacy as the only player to record a triple-double twice in the Olympics. The USA star recorded the first one against Australia in 2012, and his second came against Serbia in the semifinal, this year.
Triple-Doubles at the Olympics
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) August 10, 2024
Sasha Belov: 1976
LeBron James: 2012
Luka Doncic: 2020
LeBron James: 2024
Nikola Jokic: 2024 pic.twitter.com/qH7UnkUEg1
James was also crowned as the MVP of the entire basketball competition after the final against France. He averaged 6.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He also averaged 14.2 points on 66% shooting from open play. Overall, he ended the competition as one of the best players by a mile.
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