:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72714506/149618839.0.jpg "LeBron James and Anthony Davis talk competing for Team USA in Olympics")
LeBron James and Anthony Davis discussed the possibility of representing Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris during media day on Monday.
While watching Austin Reeves play against Team USA this summer was an interesting experience for Lakers fans, the team’s overall performance was subpar, to say the least. Exiting without a medal – and giving Dillon Brooks a career game in the process – was an embarrassing defeat that was enough to rally the group again.
Shortly after Team USA finished fourth at the FIBA World Cup, reports surfaced that LeBron James was spearheading the recruitment of players to join Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics next summer.
On Monday, LeBron discussed his participation in the Olympics for the first time. While he wasn’t as forthcoming as others around the league during their respective media days, he certainly didn’t take no for an answer.
“Yeah. I’m definitely interested,” LeBron said. “We’ll see what happens. As for the physical toll, I’ll see how I feel at the end of the season. I don’t think it’s going to be a big deal with the players we have that can fill out the roster. The physical toll. I didn’t have to do too much. Rebound a little, pass a little, block a little.”
LeBron later spoke to Spectrum Sportsnet and said he “didn’t like” Team USA’s performance at the World Cup. And, while he made no promises and offered only a “we’ll see” response, he also noted that he’s “excited” about it.
Elsewhere around the league, Kevin Durant is fully committed to Team USA and Stephen Curry has joined him in announcing a trip to play in Paris.
Anthony Davis technically won a gold medal as part of the team in 2012, but he barely played in London and definitely didn’t feature in any truly competitive games. Considering Team USA’s general lack of depth at center, Davis could be an especially important player to make the roster.
Unlike LeBron, he was more eager to commit when asked by Spectrum Sportsnet about playing in Paris in 2024.
“If they ask me, I’m on board. Just waiting to be asked,” Davis said. “I mean, I really only did it once. I really didn’t — LeBron, Kobe, (Chris Paul), Melo — I sat on the bench. So, if they asked, I definitely would join.”
As you know, if people start committing, the roster will soon be filled with top talent. The good thing for LeBron and AD is that they are both in a position where Team USA awaits them.
If both men commit, the U.S. team’s chances of doing better than the Philippines in Paris would be greatly improved.
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