LeBron James Rules Out 2028 Olympic Appearance; Stephen Curry Says Participation Is Doubtful
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James said he will be a spectator, not a player, when the 2028 Summer Games come to Los Angeles. During the second installment of the “Mind the Game” podcast released on Nov. 18, 2025, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer stated plainly, “I will be watching it,” ending speculation about a possible fifth Olympic stint.
Stephen Curry, who shared the microphone with James and co-host Steve Nash, stopped short of a definitive no but expressed strong doubts about joining the U.S. roster in 2028. “Never say never, but I highly doubt it. Highly doubt it,” said the Golden State Warriors guard, who will have just turned 40 when the Los Angeles Games begin.
Veteran Careers Shape Decision
James has represented Team USA four times, earning bronze in 2004 and gold medals in 2008, 2012 and 2024. Curry made his Olympic debut at the Paris Games in 2024, capping the tournament with a standout performance that sealed a gold-medal victory over France.
“We can’t top what we just did,” James added, referring to the 2024 run that ended with back-to-back wins in the semifinals and final. “How we gonna top those last two games?”
The 2028 Games would fall in the twilight of both superstars’ NBA careers. James would be 43, while Curry would be entering his fifth decade. Both cited age and the desire to preserve their remaining seasons as key factors in stepping aside for the next generation of American players.
The United States men’s team has won gold in five of the past six Olympics, including the most recent title in Paris. USA Basketball has not commented on potential rosters for 2028.
Source: ESPN
