Fadeaway World is attending Team USA’s pre-Olympic exhibition games in Abu Dhabi, where we got a chance to speak to LeBron James and ask him a few questions. James had a thought-provoking answer while reflecting on the role he, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant carry in terms of passing the torch onto the new generation after the 2024 Olympics.
“Absolutely. It’s a responsibility you should hold and honor and give back to the younger generation because they got to keep it going when we’re done playing. It’s definitely a responsibility for me, KD, and Steph to show them the ropes, and they take it from where we (left it).”
LeBron James on him, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry passing on knowledge to the next generation: "It's definitely a responsibility for me, KD, and Steph to show them the ropes, and they take it from where we (left it)." pic.twitter.com/iSpzAg14QE
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) July 13, 2024
We know James doesn’t think he’ll be able to compete in the Olympics again, as he said he wouldn’t be able to play in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. While Durant and Curry haven’t expressed any similar sentiments, it would be tough to imagine both of them returning to Team USA while pushing 40 years old. Though, James is participating a few months before turning 40, so never say never.
Suppose this is the last Team USA participation we’ll see from the three generation-defining faces of the NBA. In that case, they’re doing their best to prepare stars like Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, and more to be ready to take the leadership mantle from them.
Every legend passes on the knowledge they pick up over their career to the younger generation. Michael Jordan was instrumental in Kobe Bryant’s career, with Kobe then imparting wisdom to LeBron as his career was winding down. Now, it’s LeBron’s turn to pass on the knowledge that could help players like Anthony Edwards unlock a new level.
We have to thank LeBron for giving such an insightful answer to our question, as the four-time champion effortlessly broke down how important it is for the older generation to help their youngsters succeed.
LeBron James Is Focused On Ending His Team USA Career On A High Note
LeBron James made his Team USA debut 20 years ago during the 2004 Olympics after his rookie season, and will likely end his national team career after the 2024 Olympics. James had already gone out on a high with a Gold medal win in the 2012 Olympics. He sat out the 2016 and 2020 Olympics but took it upon himself to create a national superteam with Curry and Durant after Team USA failed to win a medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
He already left the national stage with a Gold to his name, but it’s clear he’s motivated to win one more. Another Gold medal win would help James have the second-most Olympic Gold medals in basketball, with Durant increasing his medal tally to four so he can remain in the top spot.
LeBron knows what it’s like to fail to win Gold in basketball at the Olympics given his experience in 2004, so he will do his best to ensure that isn’t repeated this time around. The entirety of Team USA is taking the Olympics as seriously as they can, hoping to raise the flag on the top step of the podium with a triumphant finish.
If they lose, James will have to live with the result as he’s unlikely to play in 2028 at age 43 years old, especially in the summer for Team USA. This is his last crack at the Gold, and he is praying they can replicate the magic from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic runs.
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