11 hours ago
LeBron James Confirms 2028 Olympic Plan for Team USA
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar and future Hall of Famer LeBron James has done it all over the course of his legendary career.
More LeBron James news: Lakers' LeBron James Provides Crucial Update on Knee Injury
Now 40 years old, James has checked nearly every box imaginable. There's no denying he's much closer to the finish line than the starting point. Barring any surprises, he'll soon be entering what would be his 23rd NBA season.
James' time in basketball is winding down, and with that comes a ton of speculation on when he will call his career quits. Many suspect that this upcoming season could be the final season of his career, and if it is, it will be quite the ride.
The four-time champion has not only had success in the NBA but also in the international game. James has appeared in four Olympic Games and has come away with three gold medals, including one last year in the Paris Games.
His NBA future is not only in question, but his Olympic future is also in doubt. James will be 43 years old by the time the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games come around, and the odds of James playing are zero.
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, James dismissed the idea of playing in the 2028 Games.
LeBron James of the United States in action during the Men's Basketball Gold medal game between France and the United States of America on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena...
LeBron James of the United States in action during the Men's Basketball Gold medal game between France and the United States of America on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. More
Photo by"Nothing has changed. Where we at, man, 2025 right now?" LeBron said. "Nah, nothing has changed. I mean, if I had to look at it right now through a microscope, I would say that, me being able to support Team USA for the rest of my life — that's for sure. But me actually going on and playing, I don't see it happening. I've given everything that I have, and I will always be appreciative and loyal and dedicated to Team USA and USA Basketball."
Last year likely marked the end of LeBron James's storied international career—and what a run it was.
James is one of just three American men to compete in at least three Olympics, joining Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant. That same trio also stands alone as the only U.S. players to win three Olympic gold medals.
Across 79 appearances for Team USA, James tallied 1,137 points (14.4 per game), 342 rebounds (4.3), 308 assists (3.9), and 122 steals (1.5), cementing his legacy as one of the greatest to ever wear the red, white, and blue.
Last season alone, James won the NBA MVP and was a part of the Olympic All-Star Five at the ripe age of 39.
More NBA news: Bucks' Doc Rivers Offers Major Update on Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors
For more on LeBron James and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
