LeBron James still on track to play for Olympic favorites USA

INDIANAPOLIS (USA) - LeBron James remains committed to playing for USA in the Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024.

Speaking before playing at the NBA All-Star Game over the weekend in Indianapolis, the league's all-time leading scorer said: "I told myself before the season, when I committed to being part of the Olympic team, obviously it was all predicated on my health.

James won his first Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008 after a thrilling 118-107 win over Spain in the Final

"As it stands right now, I am healthy enough to be on the team and perform at a level that I know I can perform at."

James, 39, has a lot of games to play for the Los Angeles Lakers as they go after a spot in the Western Conference playoffs. If the Lakers reach the post-season, they could play into June.

"It's more miles put on these tires," said James, who won Olympic bronze in 2004 and then gold medals in 2008 and 2012. He also participated in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2006, where USA finished third, and he won the AmeriCup 2007. This was already a very impressive FIBA career, and many fans around the world thought it was over. However, he has clearly opened the door for one last dance with his national team.

"But if I'm committed - which I am - to USA basketball, then I'm going to commit my mind, body, and soul to being out there for USA basketball, being out there representing our country with the utmost respect and go out there and play."

James won his second gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012

James, who has made more appearances in the All-Star Game than any other player in history, played in the event for the 20th time in his career on Sunday and scored eight points in 14 minutes.

Just over a year ago, James poured in 38 points in a game against Oklahoma City and surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 38,387 career points to become the NBA's all-time top scorer.

He has won four NBA titles and was Finals MVP on each occasion. James has also been named league MVP four times.

The USA, aiming for a fifth consecutive gold medal at the Summer Games, finished fourth at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

The draw for the Olympics will take place on March 19 at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball (FIBA headquarters), in Mies, Switzerland and former LeBron James USA Basketball teammate  Carmelo Anthony will be on stage performing  the draw.

FIBA