LeBron James played a pivotal role in helping the United States secure their fifth consecutive Olympic men’s basketball gold medal with a 98-87 victory over France on Saturday. Despite his impressive performance, the 39-year-old NBA legend expressed doubts about participating in the next Summer Olympics, set to take place in Los Angeles in 2028.
When asked if he would consider playing on U.S. soil in four years, James was candid: “No, I can’t see myself playing in L.A., but I also didn’t see myself playing in Paris. Four years from now, no, I can’t see myself (playing at the Olympics).”
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In the gold medal game in Paris, James contributed 14 points, six rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals. This victory marks James’ third Olympic gold medal, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players in history.
The U.S. team, filled with NBA stars, once again proved too strong for France, led by NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama. France fought back from a 14-point deficit to within three points late in the game, but Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant helped seal the win for the United States with clutch shots in the final minutes.
Curry, who finished with 24 points and eight three-pointers, led the U.S. scoring effort. Durant and Devin Booker added 15 points each, while Durant celebrated a record fourth Olympic gold. For Curry, this was his first Olympic appearance, and he made it count by helping secure the victory.
Wembanyama had his best offensive performance of the tournament, scoring 26 points, while Guerschon Yabusele added 20. However, France struggled with their three-point shooting, connecting on just nine of 30 attempts, and couldn’t match the U.S. in fast-break points, where they trailed 31-9.
The final was a tightly contested affair, with 10 lead changes in the first half alone. Wembanyama electrified the crowd at Bercy Arena with a dunk that briefly gave France the lead, but the U.S. quickly regained control with contributions from Booker, Durant, and James.
The game drew high-profile attendees, including French President Emmanuel Macron and former NBA stars like Scottie Pippen and Tony Parker. LeBron James set the tone early, opening the scoring with a dunk and leading the U.S. throughout the game.
Despite a spirited effort from France, the United States had an answer for every challenge and celebrated their victory at center court, draped in American flags.
Earlier on Saturday, Serbia claimed the bronze medal with a 93-83 win over World Cup champions Germany, led by Nikola Jokic’s triple-double performance.
As the dust settles on the Paris Olympics, the basketball world now looks ahead to Los Angeles in 2028, but whether LeBron James will take the court remains uncertain.
Key Points:
- LeBron James Leads U.S. to Gold: LeBron James played a crucial role in the U.S. men’s basketball team’s 98-87 victory over France, securing his third Olympic gold medal.
- Doubts About 2028 Participation: James, 39, expressed doubts about playing in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, saying he doesn’t see himself participating in another Olympic Games.
- U.S. Wins Fifth Straight Gold: The victory marked the United States’ fifth consecutive Olympic men’s basketball gold and their 17th overall, continuing their dominance in the sport.
- Key Performances: Stephen Curry led the U.S. in scoring with 24 points, including eight three-pointers, while Kevin Durant and Devin Booker added 15 points each.
- Wembanyama Shines for France: NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama scored 26 points for France in his best offensive performance of the tournament, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the U.S.
- Tense Game: The final featured 10 lead changes and a close contest until the U.S. pulled away in the final minutes, thanks to clutch plays by Curry and Durant.
- Star-Studded Audience: The game drew high-profile attendees, including French President Emmanuel Macron and former NBA stars like Scottie Pippen and Tony Parker.
- Serbia Wins Bronze: Serbia defeated Germany 93-83 to claim the bronze medal, led by Nikola Jokic’s triple-double performance.
- Legacy of LeBron: James’ potential retirement from Olympic play raises questions about the future of U.S. basketball as the world looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
