With Team USA's flameout in the FIBA World Cup this summer, many are wondering just which NBA players will head to Tokyo for the 2020 Summer Olympics, as most of the big names decided not to play this year. Naturally, LeBron James is one of the first names to come to mind, but given that he did not play in the 2016 Olympics, it seems a bit unrealistic to expect him to play next summer.
James was asked about potentially taking part in the 2020 Olympics at media day on Friday, and the superstar had this to say:
“I don't know,” said James, via ClutchPoints. “I would love to. I would love to stay healthy as well. I was not happy about how we did this summer. We're all a brotherhood. I applaud everyone who was on that team this summer.”
Could the Americans' poor showing this year convince James to lace them up next summer?
It remains to be seen, but it still seems relatively unlikely at this point.
James is 34 years old and is entering his 17th NBA season. He is also coming off a 2018-19 campaign in which he suffered the first major injury of his NBA career, as a groin strain kept him out for over a month.
By the time the 2020 Summer Olympics roll around, James will be 35.
Given all of the mileage LeBron has accrued over the course of his basketball career, it would be more than understandable if he decided to sit that tournament out.
LeBron James has played in three Olympics during his career (2004, 2008 and 2012) and has captured two gold medals.