Report: Spot saved on 2028 Olympics roster if LeBron James wants it

A spot on the U.S. men's basketball team at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is reserved for LeBron James if he wants it.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported USA Basketball's intention on the most recent edition of his podcast, "The Hoop Collective."

"If LeBron wants to play, he'll get a roster spot," said Windhorst, who has covered James since the star's high school days in Akron, Ohio.

James will be 43 in the summer of 2028, and he previously has said he would not play in a fifth Olympics.

"You already know my answer," James said on a podcast last November. "I will be watching it."

However, should he play both seasons of the two-year contract recently signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, he will be in game shape come July 2028. He could choose the Olympics, played near his residence in his adopted home city of Los Angeles, as the finale to his grand career.

James won a bronze medal in Athens in 2004, followed by gold medals in the 2008, 2012 and 2024 Games. Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony also have played in four Summer Olympics.

Among American women, Diana Taurasi won gold medals in six consecutive Olympics beginning in 2004. Sue Bird and Teresa Edwards each have five gold medals.

--Field Level Media