Team USA is the most successful Olympic basketball team. The team has won 19 medals out of the 20 Olympic basketball tournaments. Out of those, Team USA has won 16 gold medals. Some of the best NBA players contributed to leading their country to win numerous gold medals.
These players include all-time greats such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and more. James has actually been on both sides of the contest. LeBron participated in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympics.
In the 2004 Athens Olympics, Team USA couldn’t manage to win it all, so they settled for a bronze. The team hasn’t lost a gold medal game ever since. James was 19 at the time, coming off the bench for Team USA. This poor run was followed by the Redeem Team’s redemption in the 2008 Olympics.
Led by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, the team got its gold status back. James added a crucial contribution, as we’ll look at the King’s Team USA stats.
LeBron James’ career high in the Olympics isn’t what you’d expect
After two gold medals and three Olympic appearances, James’ stats aren’t as great as his numbers in the NBA. In the 2004 Olympics, LeBron scored a total of 43 points, with the Team losing the Semi-Finals against Argentina. James averaged 5 points in the eight games he played that year.
The country did not expect such poor performance with players like Allen Iverson and Tim Duncan on the roster. This upset wouldn’t last long, as a more stacked team would return to the Olympics in 2008.
LeBron James would team up with Kobe Bryant and the team would go on to be known as the Redeem Team. This Olympic run would be James’ best run out of all his Olympic appearances. LeBron averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, playing a total of 8 games. His best game was versus China and Spain, scoring 18 points against them. This would be James’ first Olympic gold medal, though not the last.
In the 2012 London Olympics, Team USA would enter with a more skillful roster. James would participate yet again, averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, adding another gold medal to his accolades. LeBron would also post his Olympic high in London, scoring 20 points and grabbing 5 rebounds against Lithuania. James averaged 11.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in the three Olympic appearances.
James has a better record in FIBA tournaments
Following the 2004 Olympics, James decided to compete in the FIBA World Championship in 2006. Playing alongside players like Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade, James, and company gave their all in this contest. LeBron went on to put up 14.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in this tournament. However, the all-star stacked team would settle for a bronze medal after defeating Argentina, where James led the team scoring 22 points.
In 2007, James would return with Team USA to compete in the FIBA Americas Championship. This time, LeBron was more determined to lead his team past every team. In the gold medal game versus Argentina, James would go off for 31 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. He averaged 18.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists throughout the tournament. LeBron has a decorated career, representing his country in international championships.
Following the 2012 Olympics, James was reportedly done with international competition. However, after Team USA’s most recent loss in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, he is expected to participate in the upcoming 2024 Olympics one last time.