Two of America’s top basketball stars are likely out for the Olympics in 2028.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry both indicated that they would not likely be donning Team USA jerseys in Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
James and Curry will both be at least 40 by the time the Games arrive in the United States, and the Lakers superstar was adamant in his answer when he was asked about it on a Tuesday episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast.
“You already know my answer,” James told Steve Nash on the podcast. “I will be watching it from Cabo.”
That elicited laughter from Nash and Curry.
The Warriors star wasn’t as definite with his response, but still described an Olympic appearance for him as “highly unlikely.”
“God willing, I still have the choice and the physical option to be like, I could impact the team,” Curry said. “Never say never, but I highly doubt it. I highly doubt it. I’d love to be a part of the movement.”
LeBron James challenges South Sudan’s Nuni Omot in the men’s preliminary round group C basketball match between USA and South Sudan during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. AFP via Getty ImagesJames and Curry obviously have a special place in USA basketball, but the comments make sense considering the pair might not even be playing the game at all in 2028.
Team USA captured gold — for the fifth straight time — in Paris last summer when it defeated France in the final contest. James said during the podcast that it would be hard to surpass the memory of 2024.
“We can’t top what we just did,” James said. “How are we going to top those last two games?”
Stephen Curry celebrates during Team USA’s win over Team France in the men’s gold medal game during the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. Anadolu via Getty ImagesIn order to defend its gold medal, the United States will need to make it back to the Olympics.
The U.S. can reach the Olympics yet again through the 2027 FIBA World Cup, as the first two games of the qualifying tournament will take place on Nov. 28 and Dec. 1.
