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USA Today via Reuters
Nov 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Nov 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Team USA assembled the best possible players for the Paris Olympics. Representing the nation are veterans like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant; and supporting them, we have the 2024 post-season sensations, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and Tyrese Haliburton also made it to the cut. But does that read wrong to you? It might, or might not, but it sure sounds wrong to Chris Broussard and Rob Parker.
Per Broussard and Parker on their latest episode of The Odd Couple podcast, it shouldn’t be LeBron James (almost 40) at the forefront, but should be someone like Jayson Tatum. Basically, it should be the younger ones representing the nation to grab the Gold at the Olympics rather than Bron. Truly, a reality check for Team USA.
This reality check came as soon as Chris Broussard listed the overflowing praise for LeBron James from the practice camp and #1 player update. Parker squashed it all by saying, “I’m here to tell you right now that if LeBron James is the best player on Team USA, you could forget about a gold medal ’cause that ain’t happening. LeBron James, if he’s your best player, there’s something wrong, there’s something stinky…”
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Parker feels Jayson Tatum or Anthony Edwards should be leading the team to glory.
What’s your reaction?
Forget about the gold medal! Did Jayson Tatum just diss LeBron James? React!
Reactions
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USA Today via Reuters
Dec 13, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) as he makes a pass in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Even Shaun King shared the same sentiment on the show. As a guest speaker, he furthered Parker’s case by saying, “What is wrong with these young guys? To me, these practices should be all about Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards, who’s about to assume the mantle. This bothers me, this bothers me to no end. Not saying that LeBron’s not still a great player, but he wasn’t a great player any of the highlights that are available to the public, he shot a flat-foot brick.”
While King made his statement, Rob Parker continued to acknowledge him saying, “Thank you,” repeatedly.
It may come as a surprise for many but at the age of 39, King James still emerged as the best player in the practice camp. In a straw poll conducted in the camp, asking teammates and coaches to determine the best player, the majority voted LBJ as the best in the building. While it’s an impressive feat for a person who is almost 40, media veterans definitely didn’t seem to enjoy it. So that brings us to a vital question.
What’s your perspective on:
Should a 39-year-old LeBron James still be the face of Team USA in Paris?
Have an interesting take?
Will Team USA find the next ‘big boy’ after LeBron James?
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Chris Brousard, who seemed impressed with the overflowing compliments for LeBron James from the younger generation, had highlighted a serious issue earlier. He believed that the current ‘Avengers’ team is the last team that “we will be able to ‘Big Boy’ the world.” He felt that after the retirement of James, KD, and Steph, the team wouldn’t be able to assemble a dominant team.
Nevertheless, Rob Parker became furious for that very reason and hoped that either Jayson Tatum or Anthony Edwards would emerge as the best player in the poll. Notably, JT, reigning NBA Champion, can effortlessly turn into the face of Team USA. On the other hand, Ant-Man, who is also set to play his first Olympic game believes that he is the #1 player on the side.
Speaking to the press, the rising superstar said, “I’m still the No. 1 option… Y’all might look at it differently. … They’ve got to fit in to play around me. That’s how I feel,” during the pressers. While the statement may sound over-confident, he can still shut down the critics with his performance on the big stage.
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Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.
Debate
Should a 39-year-old LeBron James still be the face of Team USA in Paris?