LeBron James given a golden reason to play until 2028

LeBron James shocked the NBA world by taking his talents to the City of Brotherly Love.

The four-time NBA champion assured that this was his "last decision," adding that he wouldn't sign another contract. However, that doesn't mean he'll only play for another year. He signed a two-year pact with the Philadelphia 76ers, so technically, he can extend his career until the end of the 2027-28 season.

Talking on "The Hoops Collective," NBA insiders Brian Windhorst and Tim McMahon gave James a huge reason not to retire after one season, citing that he'd definitely have a spot on Team USA's Olympics roster.

LeBron James will get a roster spot in the 2028 Olympics

"If LeBron wants to play, he'll get a roster spot," Windhorst affirmed. 

McMahon said James had already said he wouldn't return to Team USA after winning gold at the Paris Olympics. That said, winning yet another gold with Team USA would be the most epic send-off and ending to his already legendary career.

"LeBron has said in November on his podcast, 'Don't even ask. I'll be watching it from Cabo,' but he just made it very clear he plans to play at least two more years for Philly," MacMahon said. "He's gonna have his career end with the 2027-28 season, why not go out with the fifth Olympics? He's got a place in LA to stay, doesn't even have to stay in a hotel."

James has shut down that notion multiple times, but he loves being celebrated. He can still play at a high level, and with a stacked Team USA roster, he wouldn't have to do the heavy lifting.

Considering how he's dealt with his career, it's hard to believe he'd turn down an opportunity to add more silverware to his resume, much more if that gives him a movie-like ending to his career, which is something he probably won't get in Philadelphia.