Title: LeBron James Recruits NBA Stars for 2024 Olympics in Paris
Date: September 12, 2023
In a surprising turn of events, LeBron James, the three-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist, has expressed a strong interest in representing Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. According to multiple league sources, James has been actively recruiting fellow NBA stars, including Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, and Draymond Green, to join him in Paris.
The speculation about a star-studded American roster for the Paris Games has been circulating since the successful Tokyo Olympics, where the USA basketball team secured the gold medal. Despite their disappointing fourth-place finish at the FIBA World Cup last Sunday, only featuring three current All-Stars and no one with prior men’s national team experience, the plans for a star-studded lineup are reportedly gaining momentum.
While James has not played for Team USA since the 2012 Games in London and will turn 39 in December, he is determined to make one final Olympics appearance. Similarly, Durant, who has represented Team USA in three previous Olympics, views the Paris Games as a “last dance” alongside his fellow NBA superstars.
The recruitment efforts of James, Durant, and Curry, who has never played in an Olympics but won two World Cups with the American team, have further fueled the speculation of an impressive American roster for the 2024 Games. Additionally, players like Tatum, Green, Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, De’Aaron Fox, and Kyrie Irving have also expressed serious interest in committing to the team.
Grant Hill, the USA Basketball managing director, confirmed his awareness of James’ interest and the interest of other established American stars. However, he declined to comment further on the matter.
While previous commitments made by NBA stars following the 2019 World Cup did not materialize for the Tokyo Olympics, the circumstances surrounding the Paris Games are different. With more time for preparation and the desire for redemption after the disappointing World Cup campaign, the likelihood of these star players representing Team USA in Paris appears to be higher.
However, the final decision will depend on several factors, including the players’ health, any deep playoff runs they might make, and the rigorous schedule leading up to the Olympics. The training camp and preseason tour in multiple countries before arriving in France will require a significant commitment from the interested NBA superstars.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the preliminary games for the Olympic basketball tournament will be played in Lille, France, before the medal rounds take place in Paris. This logistical aspect could be a consideration for the players romanticizing a “last dance” in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
While talks and speculation continue, USA Basketball officials will continue conversations with all the players on their radar for the 2024 Games. The final roster, expected to include a mix of NBA superstars and promising talent, will be announced following the NBA All-Star break.
Overall, the prospects of a star-studded Team USA in Paris have garnered excitement and anticipation, signaling the team’s determination to bounce back and bring home a gold medal.