The NBA world has been pining for another opportunity to see LeBron James represent the United States on the world stage. He has been absent from the USA team’s roster for over a decade. Being one of the best basketball players out there, it is surprising not to see his name on the roster. Furthermore, he even won two Olympic gold medals while playing for his country; making an enduring impression on international basketball.

So why isn’t he donning the white jersey anymore?

LeBron bagged two Olympic gold medals for his nation

LeBron James entered the FIBA Cup for the first time in 2004, right as his NBA career began taking off. The young talent competed alongside basketball legends: Ben Wallace, Tim Duncan, and Allen Iverson in the Athens Olympics. Unfortunately, despite their evident skills, the squad could only win a bronze medal. LeBron learned a lot from this early failure, which highlighted the need for a revised strategy.

The 2006 FIBA World Cup was a significant test for Team USA two years later. Unfortunately, the team was unsuccessful yet again, earning a bronze medal. LeBron James just participated in this FIBA World Cup, and he didn’t seem to have much of a chance to win the gold.

But in 2008, when LeBron James teamed up with a more experienced Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and a rookie Kobe Bryant, they completely changed the story. The team received the name ‘The Redeem Team‘, hinting at their resolve to retrieve the gold. And they were useful in retrieving it.

LeBron’s participation in the FIBA Cup, though, was far from over. He once again stepped up for his nation in 2012. This time, he played alongside rising players like Anthony Davis, James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook. The outcome?

LeBron secured a second gold medal for his nation.

However, that was the last time he participated in the FIBA Cup.

Why hasn’t LeBron James attended the FIBA Cup after 2012?

LeBron James shocked fans in 2016 by turning down the invitation to attend the Team USA training camp, despite being in a position to win his third Olympic gold medal. His reason?

The quest for rest.

After winning his third NBA title, James frankly admitted, “I could use the rest”, as reported by Bleacher Report. In the middle of a busy schedule, this signaled a tendency toward valuing physical recuperation. Since then, he has continually turned down the opportunity to represent the USA.

Read More: Former Arch Nemesis Predicts Lebron James’ One Last Dance With Team USA: “This Will Be His Final Olympics”

LeBron James had already disqualified himself from consideration for the national team when the COVID-19 pandemic placed doubt on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, the pandemic-induced delay had no impact on his choice. James chose to stick with his chosen course while concentrating on his current obligations and personal well-being.

The Los Angeles Lakers icon could compete for the United States at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics in 2021. However, history repeated itself when LeBron once more chose not to attend the training camp. This time, his dedication to “Space Jam 2” and the requirement for ankle recuperation trumped the allure of taking part.

The mystery of whether LeBron James will unexpectedly show up at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris persists as the years pass. Even if he has a pattern of turning down FIBA events, it’s not impossible that there will be one last big international event before he retires. While his attention is mostly on his NBA career and winning more titles, the allure of Olympic success may still move this renowned athlete.

Watch This Story: Glorifying LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ Title Run, NBA Legend Defends Kevin Durant Expecting Devin Booker To Take Up the Mantle