NBA LeBron James with Team USA
FIBA (DR)

Four-time defending champion Team USA is set to make its Olympic debut in Paris. As team captain, LeBron James shared his personal take on the nearly completely revamped roster.

In Paris and also in Lille, the American national team will try to defend its title of Olympic champion.

It has been four editions since Team USA was dislodged from its throne. On the occasion of this Olympiad in France, it is a team almost totally different from that of the last World Cup that will defend the colors of its country. LeBron James notably answered Steve Kerr’s call.

In addition to making history as the first-ever orange ball handler to carry the United States flag at the Olympics, the King will be the captain of the basketball team.

However, the team has some analysts worried about their preparation games. Before their tournament debut, the Lakers superstar spoke to NBC reporters about this .

LeBron James’s candid assessment of Team USA

I think what’s different is always a new experience. Some guys have never played in the Olympics, so we want them to live the moment in its entirety.

It’s a great opportunity for me to continue to inspire the next generation.

I’m very happy to be here, and I’ve been to the Athens Games in Greece, the Beijing Games, the London Games and now the Paris Games.

These are always special events. It’s 2024 and it’s another special moment, not only for France, but also for the other Olympians who are here representing the United States of America.

Unlike LeBron James, who has already won the gold medal twice, several members of the American roster will be playing in their very first Olympic campaign.

Unsurprisingly, the Chosen One will therefore have the mission of guiding the young thumbs.

At the age of 39, the four-time MVP proved during the preparation matches that he was still indispensable to this team.

This did not prevent some observers from remaining skeptical. But if they are still in doubt, the simple statement of the star winger was enough to reassure some of the fans on the web.

Ready for gold

These Olympic basketball games may be the most competitive in history. And LeBron James has also admitted that they will be even more difficult to play in, due to the lack of experience of some members of Team USA.