In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, LeBron James was direct: “Nothing has changed. If I had to look at it right now through a microscope, I would say that, me being able to support Team USA for the rest of my life — that’s for sure.”

“But me actually going on and playing, I don’t see it happening. I’ve given everything that I have, and I will always be appreciative and loyal and dedicated to Team USA and USA Basketball,” James said.

James, who will be 43 years old when the 2028 Olympics tip off, reiterated that his focus is now on supporting the national team in other ways rather than suiting up as a player. This echoes his comments from last summer, where he also expressed doubt about participating in the LA Games.

LeBron’s Team USA career

LeBron’s Team USA résumé is among the most impressive in basketball history. He made his Olympic debut as a 19-year-old at the 2004 Athens Games, where the U.S. settled for bronze. He then helped lead the “Redeem Team” to gold in Beijing 2008 and repeated the feat in London 2012.

After sitting out the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021 Olympics, James returned for the 2024 Paris Games, where he played a pivotal role in securing another gold medal for the U.S. and was named tournament MVP.

With three golds and one bronze, James joins Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant as the only American men’s basketball players to compete in four Olympics. His contributions have been crucial in restoring and maintaining Team USA’s dominance on the international stage.

Age, legacy, and the future of Team USA

Should James have chosen to compete in 2028, he would have set a new record as the oldest basketball player in Olympic history, surpassing even international legends like Lauren Jackson and Marcelino Huertas.

However, despite his continued high level of play in the NBA, James recognizes the physical demands of another Olympic run may be beyond reach as he approaches his mid-40s.

James’ legacy with Team USA is secure. He has expressed his ongoing commitment to supporting the national program in any way possible, even if not on the court.

As the U.S. looks ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games on home soil, the next generation will have the opportunity to carry forward the standard set by LeBron and his contemporaries. The basketball world will watch to see how Team USA evolves — but it will almost certainly do so without LeBron James in uniform.