LeBron James and Kevin Durant spoke out for a trip to Paris. Unlike a World Cup, the Games can appeal to them. — © AFP
More and more American basketball stars seem to be setting their sights on participating in the Olympic Games. During a media day organized by the NBA, Stephen Curry confirmed, among others, that he wants to play in Paris next summer. “I definitely want to participate. It’s something I haven’t done yet,” said the Golden State Warriors star.
Kevin Durant will also be there in the French capital in 2024. He can then become the first male basketball player with four Olympic gold medals (after 2012, 2016 and 2021). “I will participate in the Olympic Games next year,” assured the thirteen-time All-Star, who plays for the Phoenix Suns.
LeBron James has two Olympic titles on his list of honors (2008 and 2012) and the 38-year-old Lakers star also seems inclined to move to Paris. “Yes, i am interested. I don’t think it would be too much of a physical strain,” the NBA’s all-time leading scorer said.
Other All-Stars such as DeMar DeRozan, Devin Booker, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Khris Middleton and Julius Randle also showed their interest in an Olympic adventure.
The United States has already won Olympic gold in men’s basketball sixteen times. Since Barcelona 1992, with the arrival of the ‘dream team’ around Michael Jordan, the Americans have won seven of the last eight editions. Only in Athens (2004) did things go wrong when Argentina triumphed.
This success at the Games is in stark contrast to the performance of the American squads at world championships. The big names are often less motivated to break free. That was also the case this year, resulting in a fourth place. The last of five American world titles dates back to 2014.
