LeBron James says he hasn’t decided whether he’ll compete for Team USA in the Rio Games.
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LAS VEGAS – is aware of he has a spot on the 2016 U.S. Olympic basketball staff if he needs it, in response to USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo.
He first played for the Americans in the 2004 Olympics, when he and Anthony were part of the disappointing bronze medalists following their rookie seasons.
James, who was a member of the team that won the gold in Beijing and London Summer Games, will make his decision on whether to go for a third Olympic gold medal or not after the 2015-16 National Basketball Association season.
“The thing is, he’s going to have a lot of competition”, said Colangelo, who invited 34 for the minicamp, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.
“If he needs to carry out – and I consider deep down inside he does – then I might anticipate that he shall be enjoying for us subsequent summer time”. “I think with the summer – everyone’s got to do what they think is best for themselves. But this is the start of the process for all of us”, James said. If I’m fortunate enough, if I’m healthy enough and my family is willing to allow me be a part of it, it’d be great…. We will never see the Derrick Rose we thought we were watching develop in 2010 and that’s one of the hard truths of life.
James was not at a team meeting Monday night in advance of Tuesday’s first on-court workout, but he will satisfy Colangelo’s eligibility requirements for the 2016 Olympic squad as long as he makes an appearance in Las Vegas during USA Basketball’s three-day minicamp on the campus of UNLV.
Colangelo and Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski have been big supporters of Rose – even as the 26-year-old’s knee injuries piled up over the last three years.
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“It’ll probably be a joint decision”, James said. “He won’t be participating in any practices to the best of my know?ledge, but… he knows he has a [roster] spot”.
