LeBron James is one of the best players in the history of the National Basketball Association and as the current top player in the game, the Akron, Ohio native will remain in the spotlight as long as he and the Miami Heat continue to produce on the NBA hardwoods.
While the 28-year-old recently led the Miami Heat to a second-consecutive championship, multiple reports indicate that James' international career may be over as he hopes to focus on more personal things such as his family and NBA responsibilities.
James will not join Team USA for the upcoming 2014 World Championships in Spain and he'll also sit out during Team USA's quest for a 2016 Olympic Gold medal at the Brazil games. Though it is possible James would return to the team if absolutely needed, a source close to LeBron's thinking told Yahoo Sports not to expect that to happen anytime soon.
The only way I could see him playing in the Olympics is if his country really, really needed him. But hasn't he done enough?
LeBron is going to be three years older during the next Olympics. He will have two older boys. He has a lot to endure with his family.
He played in three Olympics. Everyone that knows LeBron knows it's always based on a decision at that moment. But if the moment was today, the answer would be no.
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Despite the loss of James, Team USA will still enter the upcoming international tournaments as heavy favorites to walk away with multiple medals.
Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade are also getting older but with young talent including Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook, Indiana Pacers rising star Paul George and others, Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski and company should have no problem competing at a high level for years to come.
Though early indications are that LeBron James will never put on a Team USA jersey for competitive purposes again, USA Basketball executive director Jerry Colangelo said LeBron will never grow too old to earn a place on the team.
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"I don't think he will ever be too old," Colangelo told the New York Daily News. "He can be 40 and still be able to play. Think of what he might be able to accomplish in terms of legacy with one more medal."
Through 10 professional seasons, James has led the Miami Heat to two NBA Championships while guiding Team USA to Gold Medals at the 2007 Las Vegas FIBA Americas Championship, 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics.
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