LeBron James spoke to the press after Team USA 's win over France to win the gold medal at the Olympics. James noted that they wanted this moment and they earned it. After seeing Team USA struggle at the FIBA World Cup last year, they wanted to redeem their country's reputation on the world stage and came together to do that.
“We got our moment. This is what we wanted. We didn’t like the way we played last summer, so we put together this team very fast.”
LeBron James and Stephen Curry reportedly came together after Team USA's disastrous FIBA World Cup showing last year and committed to playing for Team USA at the Olympics in 2024. They were quickly joined by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant who also committed to the tournament.
Team USA was able to remind the world why are the dominant powerhouse in world basketball with this run in the Olympics. One can argue that they faced what is perhaps the toughest slate of international competition at the Olympics, with 61 non-American NBA players representing their countries at the tournament .
James had a great game, putting up 14 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals. He was the most consistent performer for Team USA, averaging 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. For his showing, James was named the Olympics MVP , joining Kevin Durant as the only other player to earn the honor since it was introduced.
James also got some personal vindication, as he extended his unbeaten streak in winner-take-all games since 2008. It was truly a magnificent tournament for LeBron James, despite him being on the wrong side of his 30s.
LeBron Reflects On Incredible Olympics Win
Team USA shared a video of LeBron James speaking after Team USA arrived back at their undisclosed hotel that is costing USA Basketball $15 million. He noted that the team came to Paris with one goal in mind; winning the gold medal. And today, they achieved that goal, and now get to celebrate.
"I feel phenomenal. We brought that gold home. It's what we came here to do and we did it. "
James and Team USA were the favorites to win the gold medal coming into the tournament. While most fans might see this win as them doing what they were supposed to, having the sword of being favorites hanging over their heads could have caused Team USA to crumble under pressure.
But under the veteran leadership of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, Team USA kept their focus, dominated the competition, and got the job done. While it was not at all easy, with teams like Serbia and France creating some tough moments for them, Team USA showed why the cream always rises to the top.
With Team USA's win against France, their Olympic journey is now over. When they defend their crown at the next Olympics, they will have the advantage France did in Paris, as they play at home in Los Angeles. While most of the stars will be too old to return, the next iteration of Team USA will have some big shoes to fill.
Related: LeBron James Becomes First Player In History To Record Multiple Triple-Doubles At The Olympics
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