The 2020 Olympics had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the tentative date for the Summer Games is now in 2021. However, the latest development involving the Games may change the fate of some of the biggest stars in sports forever: the organizers of the games aren't sure if they'll be able to follow through with the 2021 schedule.

ESPN published an article that puts the future of the games in great question. Since Japan is still trying to limit the spread of the coronavirus, it's uncertain if they'll be able to take control of the pandemic by the time July rolls around. The seriousness of the situation is the main criterion over their doubts.

“I don't think anyone would be able to say if it is going to be possible to get it under control by next July or not,” Tokyo organizing committee CEO Toshiro Muto said, speaking through an interpreter at a news conference conducted remotely. ”We're certainly are not in a position to give you a clear answer.”

“We have made the decision to postpone the Games by one year,” Muto added. “So this means that all we can do is work hard to prepare for the Games. We sincerely hope that come next year mankind will manage to overcome the coronavirus crisis.”

If the coronavirus isn't contained in time, then plenty of players may find their Olympic hopes dashed. For example, LeBron James would be too old for the next Olympic Games. We're not even sure if he's still playing basketball by then, so missing the 2021 Games would mean the end for LeBron's Olympic career.

Plenty of things hinge on the discovery of a cure for the coronavirus. Once the disease is taken care of, then the Tokyo Games can proceed without any problems.