Several dreams are about to come true as recent reports revealed that LeBron James might make a Team USA come back. It isn’t an unknown fact that he has had immense success over the years. Especially since his last appearance for the national team, James’ career has reached beyond the stars. And it goes without saying that he will be able to lead Team USA once again.
The United States had a fairly disappointing end to the 2023 FIBA World Cup. They started their journey going undefeated until the second stage of the tournament. Team USA was set to potentially win their sixth FIBA World Cup. However, fate had something else in store for them. The roster was built around Anthony Edwards, Jaren Jackson Jr., Paolo Banchero, and underdog Austin Reaves. Unfortunately, the United States lacked consistency and failed to apply enough pressure when needed.
They fell to Germany during the 2023 FIBA World Cup Semi-Finals. And they ultimately had to face Canada in a game for third place. Team USA was struggling to get things straight on offense, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks wreaked havoc, scoring a combined total of 70 points.
With an upsetting end in fourth place, Team USA will enter the 2024 Paris Olympics with a chip on its shoulder. And it might take the help of LeBron James’ international success and leadership to redeem themselves.
LeBron James has spoken to other All-Stars to join him for the 2024 Paris Olympics
After the Los Angeles Lakers concluded their 2022-23 playoff run, LeBron James hinted at a possible retirement. Sources claimed that he told his teammate, Anthony Davis that he might leave the sport before the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, during his 2023 ESPY acceptance speech, the 4x NBA Champion confirmed that will return to the floor. He also added that retirement isn’t in his cards for the foreseeable future.
All rumors were squashed after The Athletic’s Sham Charania revealed that he is planning to commit to Team USA for the Olympics. Charania stated, “[James] has so strong an interest in one more Olympics that he is ready to commit for next summer and has also called multiple stars to essentially recruit them to join him with USAB in Paris.”
BREAKING: LeBron James plans to commit to Team U.S.A. next summer along with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum and Draymond Green, per @ShamsCharania
“Separately, Phoenix’s Devin Booker, Portland’s Damian Lillard, Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox and Dallas’… pic.twitter.com/FJ3fHVZuVY
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 11, 2023
LeBron James is a three-time Olympic medalist, but he hasn’t played for USAB since 2012. Charania stated that James has approached Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Anthony Davis to join him for the upcoming Olympics.
Additionally, players such as Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, De’Aaron Fox, and Kyrie Irving are also interested in committing to USAB next year. Unlike their FIBA World Cup record, Team USA has won four consecutive gold medals in the Olympics.