Rio Olympics 2016: Cleveland Cavaliers Superstar LeBron James To Attend USA Basketball Camp in Las Vegas
Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James could play in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, as reports revealed the four-time Most Valuable Player will attend the USA Basketball mini-camp in Las Vegas.
According to USA Today, USA Basketball officials were already informed that James will travel to Las Vegas for the mini-camp, which will make him a part of the pool of players, who will be considered for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
However, James will not participate in any of the drills that will begin on Aug. 11 and will also leave before the camp ends on Aug. 13 because of prior commitments, particularly the LeBron James Family Foundation Reunion.
While he remains unsure if he will be playing in Rio, James reportedly wants to show that he is committed to USA Basketball. And if he is healthy and the schedule permits, he is ready to suit up for the national team, similar to what he did during the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He also helped the team win the gold medal during the 2007 FIBA World Championships.
In an interview with the Northeast Ohio Media Group, USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo confirmed that he is expecting James' presence in Las Vegas, and that he understands if the Cavaliers superstar will not participate in any drills next week because of fatigue after making the NBA Finals for five consecutive seasons.
"This is just a loose thing I'm doing because we don't have anything to prepare for this summer," Colangelo said. "The purpose of having this minicamp is to celebrate the last 10 years of Team USA basketball and begin to find out who's committed for next summer."
Colangelo admitted that he is still unsure of James' commitment for next year. He said the decision is up to James, and he will understand if the 30-year-old superstar, who won gold medals in 2008 and 2012, eventually decides not to play in Brazil.
"This is totally up to him," Colangelo added. "He has to make the call whether he wants to go after three Gold medals. One thing I need to find out: is he desirous, is he committed. I don't know that right now, and I need to find out at some point. An indicator will come next week when we see who shows up."
Aside from James, fellow superstars Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving are also expected to attend the three-day mini-camp, while Derrick Rose is still undecided about travelling to Las Vegas next week.
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