LeBron James Makes New Statement on Status for 2028 Olympics After Gold Medal in Paris

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James won MVP at the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading Team USA in assists and rebounds while finishing just four points behind Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry for the lead in that category.

At 39 years old, James proved that his game is still aging gracefully. While the NBA's all-time leading scorer looks to be capable of playing at a high level for several more years, James does not see himself playing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

"I can’t see myself playing in Los Angeles 2028," James said, per Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews. "I didn’t see myself playing in Paris 2024 too. But four years from now, I can’t see it."

While James seemed pretty clear in his stance with this quote, his wording was not as strong as when he was asked this question before the Paris Olympics.

"No, I won’t be there,” James said of the 2028 Olympics to Drew Weisholtz of Today! "I’m getting the hell out of that city when the Olympics come to Los Angeles. All right, I’ll live there all year. I will not be in Los Angeles in ‘28. I’m getting out of there."

While James stuck with this stance after winning another gold medal, his wording was not as strong, so perhaps that door is not entirely shut. That said, if this is the end for James at the Olympics, his career is among the greatest ever.

With three gold medals and one bronze medal, James also has several individual records at the Olympics.

James will return to the Lakers next season and could take his basketball career one year at a time. Re-signing a two-year, $101.4M extension this summer, James has a player option for the 2025-26 season.

Related: Fans in Disbelief Over LeBron James Pass in USA-France Gold Medal Game

Related: Team USA Takes Shot at Noah Lyles After Gold Medal Game Against France

Related: Kevin Durant's Postgame Reaction to Steph Curry's Eruption Against France Goes Viral