One of the biggest names in the NBA and the all-time leading scorer, LeBron James is part of the United States’ “Dream Team” for the Paris Olympics alongside the most valuable player Joel Embiid, announced the USA Basketball on Wednesday.
James, 39, who has two Olympic golds and a bronze to his name, didn’t play the last two games for the Los Angeles Lakers, will be joined by his teammates Anthony Davis, Phoenix Suns three-time Olympic champion Kevin Durant and Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry in the team.
The other players in the squad were Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics), Kawhi Leonard (L.A. Clippers) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
All the 12 members of the “Dream Team” have been included in the NBA All-Stars list and the team consists of four NBA MVPs and six NBA champions, making the US one of the biggest favourites to clinch the gold in the Olympics.
"I’m grateful to these 12 men for their commitment to represent USA Basketball," said USA Basketball men’s national team managing director Grant Hill in a statement. "The United States is home to some of the best basketball players in the world and I appreciate the vast interest in being part of this roster.
"We have the utmost respect for the level of competition we will face this summer. The Olympics represent the pinnacle of sport and the world will be watching the USA as we play in the toughest basketball tournament in history."
The four-time NBA title-winning manager Steve Kerr, who coaches the Golden State Warriors, will serve as the team’s manager during the Olympics.
The US is in Group C with Serbia, South Sudan and Puerto Rico and will begin their campaign on July 28.
The Paris Olympics are scheduled for July 26 to Aug. 11.