LeBron, KD lead 41-player U.S. pool for Paris Olympics

LeBron James and Kevin Durant highlight the 41-player pool that USA Basketball will select from when finalizing its 12-man roster for this summer’s Olympics in Paris, the organization announced Tuesday.

James hasn’t played for the United States since helping it win gold at the 2012 Games. Meanwhile, Durant has been a fixture of the last three Olympic squads.

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics are among the other notable candidates to represent Team USA.

James reportedly spoke to each of the aforementioned players last summer about the prospect of suiting up for the Stars and Stripes.

Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid could make his international debut for the U.S. Last October, the reigning MVP committed to play for the Americans over France and his native Cameroon.

“The United States boasts unbelievable basketball talent and I am thrilled that many of the game’s superstars have expressed interest in representing our country at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games,” USA Basketball men’s national team managing director Grant Hill said in a statement.

“It is a privilege to select the team that will help us toward the goal of once again standing atop the Olympic podium. This challenging process will unfold over the next several months as we eagerly anticipate the start of national team activity.”

Team USA is coming off a disappointing fourth-place finish at last year’s FIBA World Cup. It marked the first time the U.S. finished off the podium in consecutive editions of the showpiece tournament.

Warriors bench boss Steve Kerr succeeded Gregg Popovich at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and will be tasked with leading the country to a fifth straight Olympic gold medal. His staff includes Mark Few of Gonzaga University, Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers, and Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat.

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