LeBron James spent most of his career competing in the biggest games the world of basketball has to offer to its players. After making 10 Finals in 12 seasons, James has spent the last four seasons without coming close to the NBA Finals. As a result, James is maximizing the big moments when they come for Team USA at the 2024 Olympics, candidly discussing his age and short future left in the game.
“I’m 39 years old, it’s my 22nd season. I don’t know how many opportunities and moments I’m going to get like to be able to compete for something big and playing big games. And tonight was a big game.”
James was Team USA’s second-best player in their incredible comeback win over Serbia in the semi-finals of the Olympics. He became the first player in history to record more than one triple-double in the Olympics with his 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists tonight.
LeBron perfectly complemented fellow veteran star on this squad, Stephen Curry, who went off for 36 points in one of the greatest offensive performances anyone’s ever had with a Team USA jersey.
Can LeBron Have More Big Moments In His Career?
The next big moment for LeBron James will come in the Gold medal game, where James will be expected to lead the team to a win over France to bring the country’s fifth consecutive Gold medal in basketball. James is currently the favorite to win tournament MVP, so he needs to finish it off by rising up for another ‘big moment.’ But the minimum expectation for them was to reach the Final.
The bigger question should be if LeBron will get another opportunity to play meaningful basketball with the Lakers. James had a phenomenal NBA season last year, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists and being named to an All-NBA team in his 21st season. This isn’t normal, but the lack of activity from the Lakers in improving their roster has held the team back.
Anthony Davis has been sensational for the Lakers and on Team USA, further building his bond with James. After getting another taste of glory as national team teammates, James and Davis should come into training camp motivated to replicate that feeling by winning something for the Lakers.
Former NBA player and current analyst Austin Rivers doesn’t think James’ window to win a title has shut.
“I’m watchin’ this USA Basketball, right, and I’ve been watchin’ all their games close, and it doesn’t take a trained eye to notice who have been the two best players, the most impactful, on USA Basketball… The two best players are two Lakers players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis… All I’ve heard this past year is how the door for LeBron James and winning championships in Los Angeles is closed, and the more I watch USA Basketball, I just can’t disagree anymore.”
James can have more big moments, he’s proving that on Team USA. Maybe a coaching piece like JJ Redick can move the needle enough to help them rise above the crowded West next season. The Lakers can’t have LeBron playing meaningless basketball in Year 22 at age 40.
