Team USA is in the Paris Olympics quarterfinals after defeating their Group C opponents by 21.3 points per game. With that level of dominance, one could imagine that they’re letting the good times roll. Indeed, the team’s stars can often be seen at various Olympic events, supporting the other American athletes.
However, for USA Basketball head coach Steve Kerr, the biggest joy has come from watching his players. In fact, one specific hooper has caught Kerr’s eye time and time again: LeBron James.
“It’s crazy, one of the best things about this trip for me has been to see LeBron behind the scenes, see the preparation, see the focus, getting a picture of why he is who he is”, Kerr reveals, per Eurohoops’ Aris Barkas.
“It’s just amazing to watch him,” he continues. “He loves the game so much. He loves the work… his teammates. There’s an energy and a joy to LeBron that just sort of spreads through the locker room.”
James is averaging 14.3 points, 7.3 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 0.7 steals per game in Lillie, his variegated production a hallmark of his game. He’s also shot 64.3 percent from the field, primarily scoring in the paint. While Anthony Edwards is Team USA’s leading scorer, Anthony Davis is Team USA’s leading rebounder, and Kevin Durant is Team USA’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, James still reigns as king.
Or, as Kerr puts it: “He’s obviously one of the very best all-time players, but it goes so far beyond one thing. It’s just everything; the whole package. He’s just brilliant.”
Team USA Leader LeBron James Gets ‘Whole Package’ Praise
Of course, many headlines will be about James’s ability to remain dominant at an advanced age. Yet, James’s intangibles have arguably been more awe-inspiring than his production.
On the court, his takeover mentality has helped Team USA get out of hot water. A self-described big kid, James plays the game with an infectious energy. Whether he’s dancing on the sidelines to the popular song “Call Me Maybe” or flexing his muscles for his teammates, he’s genuinely enjoying himself.
— Crystal Scar (@crystalscarr21) August 3, 2024
Off the court, he’s providing psychological and emotional support to players like Joel Embiid, who has been heckled by Team USA fans and the home crowd. He’s not just there for Embiid though, as Team USA’s entire roster looks to him as a leader. As a 20-time All-Star, four-time NBA MVP, and four-time NBA champion, he’s earned his respect.
LeCaptain America speaking to Team USA after the W 🔥pic.twitter.com/4a1kXxOlmn
— 🎭 (@MaskedInLA) July 11, 2024
To say James is resting on his laurels would be to mischaracterize him though. James has been leaving it all on the court, even in practice. This even prompted Kerr to ask USA Basketball assistant coach Erik Spoelstra, who coached James with the Miami Heat, if it was “normal?”
Spoelstra’s response?
Steve Kerr was amazed seeing how hard LeBron James practice:
“I was blown away by how hard LeBron practices. I went to Ty and Spo and said ‘Is this normal?’ Spo said, ‘Everyday. Every drill. Every walk-through. Everyday.” pic.twitter.com/72VNbvcq51
— Basketball Nation (@ball_nation_) July 7, 2024
“Everyday. Every drill. Every walk through. Everyday.”
