FOX (DR) / Showtime Basketball (DR)

LeBron James will be the flag bearer for the American delegation at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games and the leader of Team USA on the court. But for Kevin Garnett, if he is in Paris this summer, it is also for the good of the Lakers.

At almost 40 years old, LeBron James is not just a mere extra on this United States team, so he is not traveling to Paris just to have one last Olympic adventure and pad his record with the talent of other players.

As he showed in Team USA’s sometimes sluggish preparation, he is still the big boss on the court and no one questions his status.

When his team needed a decisive basket against South Sudan or Germany, he was the one who took responsibility without trembling, putting an end to all debates about the identity of the offensive leader.

Failing to be able to claim the title with his Lakers in recent seasons, he will be able to taste the very highest level by representing his country.

LeBron James already preparing for next season?

But according to Kevin Garnett, the desire for a title is not the only thing that explains LeBron James’ presence in the French capital.

The former Timberwolves player thinks that the King is already preparing for next season in the NBA , because with age, there is a longer rise in athletic power.

He knows what he is talking about, he retired at 39.

I have a theory about why LeBron James and the others all decided to compete in the Olympics this summer.

You can never get back into game shape in the summer when you’re alone. Because they’re getting older, they have to start their preparation a little earlier if they want to be in game shape when they get back.

Then they’ll be able to compete in the Olympics, and get their bodies ready for the first few weeks of the season.

Kevin Garnett retired in his late 40s, he played in the Olympics in his career, so he knows what he’s talking about.

In his eyes, LeBron James’ presence is not only patriotic, but he’ll also be taking advantage of Team USA’s practices to get his body going before he returns to the Lakers.

If that’s the case, it’s smart, because he’s going to have to work hard again when he returns.

After a first-round playoff exit, in direct line with a tough year, Los Angeles is one of the only teams that didn’t strengthen over the summer.

Rob Pelinka has time to get going, but for now, the King is going to have to be a superhero if he wants his Lakers to be in the running.

LeBron James is currently with Team USA and will try to win another gold medal at the end of a tournament that promises to be grandiose. But for Kevin Garnett, he would already be looking much further ahead and thinking about the Lakers.