The FIBA World Cup 2023 humiliation gave a reality check to Team USA as LeBron James took the responsibility of the future on his shoulders. The Los Angeles Lakers star planned to assemble a star-studded roster with the likes of Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. A legend of the franchise with more championships than Michael Jordan responded to that idea.
He seemed off on LeBron’s stance for some personal reasons. In a podcast, he explained those reasons. Despite appreciating the 38-year-old’s efforts, the legend backed himself on that occasion.
What did the Lakers legend say?
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In a recent episode of the Big Shot Bob Podcast,?Robert Horry talked about his point of view on James’ endeavors. Robert gave his honest thoughts on the reports of the 4-time champion assembling a Summer Olympic 2024 Team USA with NBA superstars. “I don’t want LeBron to play,”?he stated before explaining his opinion.
The 7-time champion acknowledged the contributions LeBron has already made for his country and the league. And that he would be happy if LeBron played in the Olympics However, he added, “He has done enough for his country. He has done enough in his career.” Thus, Horry wanted the 19-time All-Star to rest out to preserve himself in the offseason.
Rather than gathering the likes of Curry and Durant, amongst others for Team USA, Robert wanted him to focus on playing 82 games in the NBA. He highlighted how at this stage of LeBron’s career, a small injury could result in him sitting out for several games. So, the Laker fanboy in the 52-year-old took precedence in this case.
“I wanna see him in NBA season when we have got so many other guys who could be there,”?he explained. Despite being blunt with his approach, Horry’s words carried a certain level of truth. This brought up a new dynamic to a long-standing debate after these comments from a serial winner like him.
How does the upcoming Olympics affect the legacy of Michael Jordan?
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At this stage, both Jordan and James have two Olympic gold medals each. Michael won his first one on home soil in 1984 before leading the iconic Dream Team to another triumph eight years later. LeBron was unlucky in his first attempt but then won two consecutive golds in 2008 and 2012.
That’s why the current scenario poses such an interesting angle to the entire greatest of all-time debate between these greats. If the 4-time MVP wins a gold next summer, he would have one more than the 6-time NBA champion. Thus, alongside the nation’s demand, next year’s tournament could serve James’ purpose too.
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Despite Robert Horry having more rings than both of these icons, it looks unlikely that LeBron would listen to him. The patriotic self within him could get the best out of him as the entire USA plots yet another revenge.
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