LeBron James Tops FIBA's Olympics MVP Contenders List as Team USA Eyes 3-0 Finish in Group Play

As the Olympics progress, Team USA boasts a 2-0 record, largely attributed to the performance of Los Angeles Lakers' star LeBron James.

Team USA is set to face Perto Rico in their final game of group play on Aug. 3, aiming for a 3-0 finish before advancing to the medal round. FIBA's latest list of top contenders for the Olympic MVP places LeBron James in the lead.

James is one of two Team USA members in contention for Olympic MVP, alongside Phoenix Suns' star Kevin Durant, who completes the top five. The list also includes the Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Canada, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic from Serbia, and Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schroder from Germany.

The latter half of the Olympic MVP contenders features San Antonio Sours star Victor Wembanyama from France, Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey from Australia, Memphis Grizzlies big man Santi Aldama from Spain, Toronto Raptors wing RJ Barrett from Canada, and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece. James' leadership in guiding Team USA to a gold medal would significantly bolster his MVP prospects.

James' Olympic journey began after his NBA rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He earned a bronze medal with the 2004 Athens team and was part of the 2008 'Redeem Team,' led by the late Kobe Bryant.

In his fourth Olympic appearance, James has assumed Bryant's mantle as Team USA's leader. In the recent victory over South Sudan, James tallied 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and a steal. In the opening win against Serbia, he recorded 21 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and one steal.

As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, James is set to become the league's eldest player. He will reach 40 years of age before the campaign concludes.

Related: Canada's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shines with Viral Tongue-Out Dunk Against Spain in Olympic Clash