On Wednesday, we found out from USA Basketball executive director Jerry Colangelo that LeBron might actually want to play in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, which would be a change of heart based on his most recent statements on the matter. When we though he was done, we could understand why — he’s already appeared in three Olympics and multiple FIBA World Championships, and his NBA workload remains nearly unparalleled. Now, unsurprisingly, Colangelo says that despite LeBron not appearing in the current Team USA training camp in Las Vegas, there’s a spot on the roster for him if he does indeed want to come to Rio.
That comes from a conversation between Colangelo and Yahoo’s Marc Spears, where Colangelo also reiterates that there hasn’t been much of a cooling effect on American stars wanting to play for Team USA in the wake of Paul George’s injury last summer, a horrific event that is now finally fading into memory as George is once again healthy. Colangelo had previously said that playing in Vegas was virtually a requirement for consideration for the 2016 team, but LeBron James justifiably can make his own rules.
While it would be completely understandable for LeBron to skip the Olympics to take a well-deserved break, the Games are in Rio de Janeiro, for crying out loud. Spending two weeks beating up on Angola is worth it if you can retire to Copacabana beach in the evening. I mean, we already know LeBron loves vacations with his buddies, and traveling to Brazil.
(Via Yahoo)
