Maybe it’s the water in Rio or simply just needing rest, but LeBron James has made a decision on chasing Olympic gold again.
Cleveland.com is reporting that James has declined his invitation to lead TEAM USA — succumbing to the need for rest after leading the Cavs to the NBA Championship.
LeBron James informed USA Basketball that he would not participate in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in August, citing the glut of court time he’s logged through six consecutive trips to the Finals.
James’ agent Rich Paul informed Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo Thursday of James’ decision.
“I could use the rest,” James told cleveland.com.
It was a quiet way of informing USA basketball that he could be done chasing Olympic medals — with James now being 31 and already having won two gold medals (in 2012 and 2008) and a bronze (2004).
James is Team USA’s all-time leading scorer (273 points) and second-leading rebounder (95 rebounds).