Lebron James after USA win gold at Paris 2024: 'I don't see myself playing in Los Angeles'

Lebron James, who played a role in USA’s win over France in the men’s basketball gold medal game at the Paris Olympics, said he cannot imagine himself playing at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

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Asked if he would contemplate playing the next Olympics on American soil, the 39-year-old said: “No, I can’t see myself playing in LA, but I also didn’t see myself playing in Paris.

“Four years from now, no, I can’t see myself (playing at the Olympics).”

James, star of the Los Angeles Lakers, is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. He had 14 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals against France for his third Olympic gold.

LeBron, NBA’s all-time leading points scorer, said this medal felt the best of them all.

Playing the Olympics after a 12-year absence, LeBron held off a battling France to make it five successive men’s basketball golds.

“It’s a big moment for USA basketball,” said James.

“I’m just living in the moment. I feel super humbled that I can still play this game and play it at a high level, play with 11 other great players, and a great coaching staff go out and do it for our country.”

The US beat France for the second Olympic final in a row, with James back in the squad and four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry making his tournament debut.

“It was great. I think you wouldn’t want it any other way to be able to face off against the host team. It was a great atmosphere,” said James.

The 39-year-old won bronze as a teenager at Athens 2004 and was part of the “Redeem Team” four years later that took gold in Beijing. James appeared again at London 2012 but had not played at the Games since.

“It’s the best one because it’s the one that’s right now,” said James, suggesting it would be his final Olympics.”