LeBron James and Stephen Curry, two of basketball’s most famous stars, have questioned their participation in the next Olympics and offered unusually candid reflections. Their comments fueled speculation about the future of Team USA and whether the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could go ahead without two of the nation’s biggest icons.
Speaking alongside Steve Nash in a recent episode, James responded with humor but unmistakable clarity. When Nash asked about his potential involvement in a future Olympic runningthe Los Angeles Lakers star did not hesitate. “You already know my answer,” James said on Mind the Game. “I’ll be watching from Cabo.
Although the remark was made in jest, it strongly suggested that James has little interest in extending his Olympic career. Having already struck gold in 2008 and 2012 and competing at the highest level into his 40s, James appears ready to step back from international duties and prioritize his NBA longevity and personal commitments.
Curry, who also spoke on the Mind the Game podcast, offered a more measured and reflective view of his Team USA’s future. The Golden State Warriors guard, who eventually made his Olympic debut in Paris in 2024, acknowledged both his desire to contribute and the reality of age and physical wear and tear.
“God willing, I still have the options and the physicality to be able to make an impact on the team,” Curry said. “Never say never, but I highly doubt it. I highly doubt it. I’d love to be a part of the movement.”
Curry’s repetition of “I highly doubt it” underscored the challenge of balancing the demands of the NBA with the intensity of Olympic preparation. At 36, with a workload that still tests him physically, a return to the global stage may be increasingly unlikely.
Their remarks come as Team USA prepares for a generational change. With younger stars like Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum and others emerging as the future of the program, the next Olympic cycle could usher in a new era.
If both James and Curry step aside, the 2028 Olympics could mark a symbolic turning point — one that reflects not only the arrival of a new generation, but also the gradual farewell of two legends whose influence has defined American basketball for more than a decade.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
November 19, 2025
