LeBron James’ U.S. Olympics wish crushes Knicks’ representation chances
The day after Dillon Brooks dropped 39 points on Team USA to claim bronze for Canada, LeBron James stepped in as Captain America. The 38-year-old is assembling a superstar squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics, meaning no New York Knicks players will likely represent the United States next summer.
Shams Charania reported that even before the 2023 FIBA World Cup began, LeBron wanted to make one last run at gold (subscription required). He last played for the United States at the Olympics in 2012.
LeBron has spoken to other stars who are “prepared to commit” and stars who have a “serious interest in committing.”
"James has spoken to Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum and Draymond Green, and they are all prepared to commit as well. Separately, Phoenix’s Devin Booker, Portland’s Damian Lillard, Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox and Dallas’ Kyrie Irving also have serious interest in committing, league sources said."
This year’s World Cup squad was devoid of star power, which resulted in a fourth-place finish. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart represented New York at FIBA, and out of the two, Brunson had a higher chance of going to the Olympics. Now that LeBron is recruiting superstars to join him next summer, Knicks fans can prepare for RJ Barrett to be New York’s leading player in Paris.
LeBron James assembling U.S. superstar squad for 2024 Paris Olympics, leaving Knicks out
As Charania noted, it’s important to remember that a lot can change between now and next summer, so it’s too soon to assume LeBron and the other stars will be available for Paris. It’ll depend on injuries, as well as deep playoff runs.
Charania added that two players from the World Cup roster, Anthony Edwards and Mikal Bridges, could be issued invitations to compete for the United States at the Olympics.
Rumor has it Joel Embiid could decide to play for Team USA next summer rather than France. Who knows if he’ll still be a Sixer in 2024, but if the Knicks were to trade for him before then, he could give New York fans extra interest in the Olympics.
While it was fun to watch Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart compete this summer, that duo likely will spend next summer resting up for the 2024-25 season. If LeBron wants one last Olympic dance, that’s what he will get.