LeBron James has reiterated he will not suit up for Team USA at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, the 40-year-old addressed his Olympic future following his return to the national team in 2024. Asked if his stance on 2028 had shifted, James responded, “Nothing has changed.”
James made it clear he still plans to support USA Basketball, but not as a player. “Me being able to support Team USA for the rest of my life — that’s for sure,” he said. “But me actually going on and playing, I don’t see it happening.”
The four-time NBA champion returned to Team USA in Paris for the 2024 Games, where he led the team in assists and rebounds. He also became the first male basketball player to serve as a Team USA flag bearer in an Olympic opening ceremony.
During the 2024 tournament, James recorded two triple-doubles, including one in a semifinal win over Serbia. He averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists and was named both Olympics MVP and to the All-Star Five.
Team USA secured its fifth straight gold medal after defeating France 98–87 in the final. James contributed 14 points, six rebounds and ten assists in the gold medal game. His performance in Paris marked his third Olympic gold.
Now entering his 23rd NBA season, James continues to defy age. During the 2024–25 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists across 70 games.
Despite the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit, James posted 25.4 points, 9 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game during the postseason.
James also reached several milestones during the season, including surpassing 50,000 combined career points in March and passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second in regular season games played.
While 2028 will be held in Los Angeles — the city where James has spent the final chapter of his career — the veteran appears firm in his decision. He emphasized he has “given everything” to USA Basketball and holds no regrets.
