Team USA coach Steve Kerr (left) and NBA superstar LeBron James (right)
NBA (DR)

This Saturday, Team USA had to fight until the last moments of its friendly match against South Sudan to win (101-100). A match during which LeBron James weighed heavily, thus justifying Steve Kerr’s comments about him.

Logically announced as the big favorites, they nevertheless had to work hard.

Dominated for most of their match against South Sudan this Saturday, the Americans were fortunately able to count on a LeBron James who was always there.

After a great performance, it was indeed he who gave his team the victory (101-100) with a decisive double step 8 seconds from the final buzzer:

LeBron James praised by Steve Kerr

Even though he’s 39 years old, Team USA still can’t seem to do without LeBron. Indeed, without his 23 points (10/14 shooting), 6 rebounds and 6 assists, Steve Kerr’s men would probably have been headed for a setback despite all their talent.

That’s why the coach finds himself at the heart of the criticism . For his part, he preferred to praise his veteran leader a few hours earlier:

Steve Kerr: LeBron is pretty incredible. I’m blown away by his effort, his focus and his attention in every single drill.

He’s constantly talking. Even in a practice shootaround, you can hear his voice. He’s explaining what’s going on, he’s calling out the systems…

The guy is incredible. He’s a leader by example. I’ve known that all my life, but to see him up close is really special.

Having a multitude of NBA superstars on a roster is not necessarily a guarantee of success, and the Americans were able to see that this week.

Steve Kerr, for his part, has certainly proven himself as a coach with the Warriors with four championship titles accumulated, but he must now also lead his team to the path of glory after the immense failure experienced during the 2023 World Cup.

The match against the South Sudanese was only part of the preparation for the Paris Olympic Games, but there is reason to wonder about the tactical level and the degree of commitment of this United States team. Fortunately for this time, LBJ was there to save the day, but his coach will have to quickly find a way to make his men play to their full potential.

Still going strong despite his age, LeBron James prevented Team USA from conceding a stinging defeat to South Sudan. Steve Kerr can thank the Chosen One for that, even if this hard-fought victory does not allow him to escape criticism.