Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been perhaps the most recognizable member of USA Basketball in recent memory. But on Friday, he made a public statement that perhaps many expected heading into the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
James’ Olympic career dates all the way back to 2004, just one year after he was selected first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
At 39 years of age, there are obviously questions regarding how long James will continue on in his illustrious basketball career. But with all that he has accomplished in the NBA, along with James’ extensive Olympic career, he has nothing left to prove at the international level.
According to Drew Weisholtz of NBC Sports, the 2024 Olympic Games will be the final Olympic event that James will take part in. The Lakers star told Weisholtz definitively that he “won’t be there” for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Last dance at the Olympics for LeBron this year. 💪 pic.twitter.com/IH6tNm1XMe
— theScore (@theScore) July 12, 2024
The decision obviously makes sense when you consider James would be 43 by the time the 2028 Olympics come back around.
James recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers. But it sure seems like a bit of a stretch to say that he will play much further than that contract considering his age and lengthy tenure in the NBA.
Obviously, this decision makes the upcoming Olympics later this month even more substantial for Team USA.
James and the rest of Team USA recently got a tough test in their first Olympics exhibition game against Canada, defeating the team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray 86-72.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.