LeBron James is the biggest basketball star on the planet.
But he appears done with this competition.
And LeBron James’ retirement announcement came from one surprising source.
The USA Men’s Basketball team is looking to win their fourth straight gold medal at the Tokyo Summer Olympics.
But for the first time since the year 2000, LeBron James will not represent America at the Olympics.
Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo said to get used to that fact because James is retired from international basketball because of his age.
“Father Time takes its toll,” Colangelo ESPN. “If you’re a human being, your body is built to go so long depending on what your sport is, and then it’s a downhill situation. LeBron made choices these last couple of Olympics not to participate because he’s got a lot of things going on in his life.”
Since the NBA began sending professional players in the 1992 Summer Olympics with the “Dream Team,” the USA captured six out of seven possible gold medals in men’s basketball.
James has been a fixture on those teams, playing 68 international games for Team USA.
But his day has come and gone.
With the next summer games not scheduled until 2024 – when James will be 40 – LeBron will never play for Team USA again.
However, Colangelo believes this team – led by the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant – has an excellent chance of bringing home the gold this summer.
“We are excited about the 12 players who have been selected to represent the United States in the Tokyo Olympics,” Colangelo stated after Team USA announced its roster. “This was an unusually challenging selection process for many reasons, including the year postponement of the Olympics and the issues related to the timing of the NBA regular season and playoffs.”
“I believe these players will become a team that all Americans will be proud of,” Colangelo continued.
Sports with Balls will keep you up-to-date on any new developments in this ongoing story.
