After bringing a title back home to Ohio, Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James may decline an invitation to play for Team USA in the 2016 Olympic Games.
Since 2004, LeBron James has been a main piece of Team USA’s roster construction. In the last two Olympics — 2008 and 2012 — James has been a catalyst for the United States winning the goal medal.
Things could change this year, as James may decide to skip playing in Brazil for his home country.
According to Chris Mannix of The Vertical, James is “leaning towards” not playing over the summer.
"In the aftermath of a grueling NBA Finals, LeBron James is leaning toward not competing at the Olympics in Rio this summer, league sources told The Vertical.While James has not informed USA Basketball of his decision, team officials are operating with the expectation that it is unlikely James will be part of the team."
James would join a prominent list of players that have already withdrawn from consideration for Team USA.
Those names include reigning MVP Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, LaMarcus Aldridge, Blake Griffin and Anthony Davis (Griffin and Davis have withdrawn due to injuries suffered during the NBA season.)
Without these stars, and potentially James himself, there will be plenty of names that can seize an opportunity to play for the United States this summer.
It would be an odd sight to not see James in a Team USA uniform during the Olympics, but after the NBA postseason he just went through, it would make sense for James to rest and sit this one out.
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