The USA Basketball Men’s National Team could see a return of its biggest and brightest stars for the 2024 Summer Olympics. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar LeBron James wants to play for Team USA at the Olympics tournament and intends to recruit several other high-profile NBA names.
Charania reports that James sees the 2024 Paris Olympics as a perfect chance to end his stint with Team USA on a high note. The 38-year-old last played for the U.S. in 2012, when he helped his country win a gold medal.
James has already been in contact with a number of NBA stars he wants to join him in 2024. Reportedly, Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant and Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry also see the Paris Olympics as their last chance to play meaningful games with Team USA. Curry would be especially motivated as he never played at the Olympics before.
It is believed that James also spoke with his Lakers’ teammate Anthony Davis, Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, and Golden State’s Draymond Green about teaming up on Team USA. Suns’ Devin Booker, Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving, and Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard previously also expressed a level of interest in playing in Paris.
Team USA general director Grant Hill and head coach Steve Kerr will definitely be thrilled with the news, especially after a disappointing 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign. The Americans missed out on a medal, suffering a 127-118 overtime loss to Canada in a third-place match.
