LeBron James' Olympic profession is probably going over, Workforce USA's Jerry Colangelo says

LeBron James has possible already performed in his remaining Olympic competitors.

Throughout Wednesday’s version of ESPN’s “Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin Present,” Keyshawn Johnson requested USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo if the Lakers star would ever play for Workforce USA once more. Colangelo did not say whether or not he had spoken on to James about his future with Workforce USA, however he believes the 36-year-old’s Olympic profession is over.

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“Father Time takes its toll. And also you guys know that as a result of, in the event you’re a human being, your physique is constructed to go so lengthy relying on what your sport is, after which it is a downhill scenario,” Colangelo mentioned. “LeBron made selections these final couple of Olympics to not take part as a result of he is bought a variety of issues happening in his life. So he put in his time, he made a contribution that’s appreciated, however I believe his time is over.”

James was a member of the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic groups, profitable the gold medal in his final two appearances on the worldwide stage. He handed on the chance to play for Workforce USA in 2016 and opted out once more this 12 months.

After the Suns eradicated the Lakers from the 2021 NBA playoffs, James joked that he can be taking part in for the “Tune Squad” as a substitute of Workforce USA, a nod to his upcoming film “Area Jam: A New Legacy.”

Whereas having James on the roster would have boosted Workforce USA’s gold-medal probabilities, the squad heading to Tokyo actually will not be missing expertise. Workforce USA has obtained commitments from Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum and extra forward of the Olympic Video games.

“I am completely satisfied for the chosen gamers and looking out ahead to having the chance to work with this excellent group when apply will get underway on July 6 in Las Vegas,” Workforce USA coach Gregg Popovich mentioned as a part of USA Basketball’s official roster announcement. “I am excited to characterize america in our quest to earn a gold medal in Tokyo.”