LeBron James and Stephen Curry, key figures in Team USA's 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal win, have indicated they are unlikely to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. James firmly stated he will be watching, while Curry expressed strong doubts despite leaving a slight possibility open. Their potential absence could make the U.S. team more vulnerable in international competition.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry reached the pinnacle of their international careers by helping Team USA secure its fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. James earned his third gold and the tournament MVP award, while Curry claimed his first Olympic medal after leading the U.S. to victory over France in the gold-medal match. The duo's first joint appearance outside an All-Star Game proved memorable, highlighted by Curry's four 3-pointers in two minutes to seal the win against the host nation.
In a recent episode of James' 'Mind the Game' podcast with Steve Nash, both players addressed their futures. James was definitive: 'You already know my answer, I'll be watching it.' Curry, who will turn 40 by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, was less absolute but skeptical: 'God willing, I still have the choice and physical option where I could impact the team. Never say never, but I highly doubt it. Highly doubt it.' Both reflected on the challenge of topping their Paris triumph.
Without James and Curry, alongside potential absences of Kevin Durant, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday, Team USA's roster could shift to younger talents. Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton, the youngest on the 2024 team, are expected to take larger roles, joined by Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, and possibly Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis if healthy. Other candidates include Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, Cooper Flagg, Amen Thompson, and Evan Mobley.
The U.S. faces stiffer global competition, with non-American stars like Canada's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Serbia's Nikola Jokić, Greece's Giannis Antetokounmpo, Slovenia's Luka Dončić, and France's Victor Wembanyama—who recently suffered a calf strain—leading strong teams. While talent remains abundant, the lack of game-changing players like James and Curry may test America's dominance.