LeBron James has repeatedly suggested that his journey with Team USA is over. After winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics and earning tournament MVP honors, the four-time NBA MVP made it clear that he had no plans to wear the USA jersey again.
Yet, with less than two years remaining before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, that door appears to be far from closed.
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the message within Team USA is simple: if LeBron wants to play, the roster spot is his.
LeBron had already said no to the 2028 Olympics
During a conversation with Stephen Curry in November 2025, James was straightforward when asked about the possibility of competing in the Los Angeles Games.
Those comments seemed to settle the matter once and for all. After all, with four Olympic appearances, three gold medals (2008, 2012 and 2024) and a bronze medal from Athens 2004, his résumé with Team USA is already complete.
But Team USA isn’t ruling him out
The position of USA Basketball, however, appears to be quite different.
Speaking on The Hoop Collective podcast, Windhorst explained:
The comment suggests that no one within the program wants to make a final decision this far in advance. As long as LeBron James remains competitive, Team USA appears willing to leave the choice entirely in his hands.
The perfect final season to complete the journey?
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, there’s another reason James could reconsider. The 23-time All-Star signed with the Philadelphia 76ers and, barring any surprises, is expected to remain in the NBA through the end of the 2027-28 season.
For MacMahon, finishing his career with a fifth Olympic appearance is far from unrealistic.
The symbolism is significant. LeBron spent eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, yet he has never competed in an Olympic Games on U.S. soil.
A record that would make history
If he ultimately decides to play, LeBron James would be 43 years, 6 months and 14 days old at the opening ceremony of the 2028 Games.
That would make him the oldest basketball player ever to compete in an Olympic Games, surpassing Australian legend Lauren Jackson, who played at the 2024 Paris Olympics at the age of 43 years and 79 days.
It would be yet another historic milestone in a career that has already redefined the game.
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