For the fifth consecutive time, Team USA’s men’s basketball team has won the gold medal in the Olympics. In a 98-87 victory against France in the Finals, Team USA was led by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. In the game, Curry scored 24 points on 8-for-14 shooting. Additionally, he recorded five assists, two steals, and one rebound. Furthermore, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant had a fantastic run in the 2024 Paris Olympics. In a win against Brazil, Durant became Team USA’s all-time Olympic leading scorer. Additionally, with Team USA’s recent victory, Durant becomes the first men’s basketball player to ever earn four gold medals. However, arguably the biggest winner of this year’s Olympics from the men’s basketball side was NBA icon and current Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.
In addition to bringing home his third gold medal, James was named to the FIBA All-Star Five list. Furthermore, he also took home the 2024 Olympic MVP award. While it was another impressive performance for James, there has been a lot of speculation that this could be the last Olympic run of his career. Currently, the Lakers star is 39 and will turn 40 by the start of the new year. When the 2028 Olympics comes around, he will be 43 going on 44 years old.
Although one final appearance in the Olympics is not impossible, it may officially be out of the question. According to NBA writer Marc J. Spears, James “can’t see [himself] playing” in the 2028 Olympics in LA.
“I can’t see myself playing in LA,” LeBron James said on the 2028 LA Olympic Games.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 10, 2024
NBA Legend Suggests 2024 Olympics Is His Last
LeBron James Does Not “Have Much Time Left” in the NBA
In March, James spoke about how much longer he plans on playing in the league. The 21-year veteran made it clear that he will call it a career sooner rather than later.
LeBron James on how long he expects to continue playing in the NBA: “Not very long. … I’m not gonna play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure. But not very long. I don’t know when that door will close as far as when I’ll retire. But I don’t have much time left.” pic.twitter.com/OtJzM6cheI
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 1, 2024
Additionally, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported in early April that he believes James will play for “one or two more years.”
“One or two more years is the expectation for LeBron James..
Clearly he still loves the game and he still wants to win another ring” ~ @ShamsCharania#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/rvwOwP1MPJ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 2, 2024
Although it seems that the four-time champion will retire soon, it is important to note that he also signed a two-year, $50.6 million contract this summer. Interestingly, however, he does have a $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
The Last Word on LeBron James
It is no secret that James is one of the greatest NBA players of all time, if not No. 1. His ever-lasting impact on the game, both in the NBA and the Olympics, is something the basketball world will always remember.
