Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James will probably play in his last Olympic Games in his legendary career later this month.
Many observers wondered that, despite LeBron’s still elite levels of performance, the elder statesman of the team would perhaps come off the bench.
That will simply not be the case, according to The Athletic reporter Joe Vardon.
“James coming off the bench, probably won’t happen,” Vardon wrote. “I spoke with two USA Basketball sources and both cast serious doubt on the idea…James, the sources said, will likely play point forward for the Americans as a starter, moving Curry off the ball.”
Team USA head coach Steve Kerr, speaking with assembled reporters, didn’t clarify that LeBron would start but admitted it’s a good problem to have.
“It’s a great question, and my staff and I have talked about it quite a bit. It’s a good problem to have, but I’m guessing that all 12 players on this roster will be in the Hall of Fame someday,” Kerr said.
“So our big job in Las Vegas is to find five-man combinations that fit and to just ask all 12 guys to fully commit to the goal of winning a gold medal no matter what it looks like, no matter who’s playing.”
The Olympic Games, hosted by Paris, begin July 26th.
