Team USA saved itself from major embarrassment against South Sudan ahead of the Paris Olympics. After a close comeback win against Australia, the team almost lost the game. This turned the NBA world’s attention toward the superstar trio, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, who are nearing the final stages of their professional careers. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst didn’t mince words when speaking of their future and highlighted King James’ undying quest.

Windhorst predicted a gloomy road for the superstar trio, stressing that Olympic gold would be their last notable glory. Hours after the win against the East African team, he said, “This is a nuanced situation. I’m not sure any of those guys are going to be able to win another NBA title.” He further revealed what this upcoming tournament meant to them.

Windhorst added “They’re coming here and going through this even though they’ve all got gold medals because they want to win another championship and it’s not an NBA season but it’s meaningful and this is going to be the biggest most competitive international basketball tournament ever staged. The talent in this tournament, we’ve never seen that. They’re trying to win it. It matters to them.”

“If they lose do I think it changes their Hall of Fame case? No, I do not. I think their legacies are all secure but they’re really working hard to try to win this,” Windhorst asserted on SportsCenter. Reflecting on their NBA rosters, the Golden State Warriors lost their ace shooter, Klay Thompson, leaving Steph stranded without support. The Phoenix Suns have a stacked roster but failed to advance past the first round in the playoffs. Finally, the LA Lakers had multiple failed attempts to rope in a star player this offseason.

Addressing the situation in the NBA for next season, Windhorst declared that these teams weren’t “anything close to favorites”. Furthermore, the 46-year-old analyst delved into King James’ mindset, revealing the superstar’s thoughts during his heroics in the first showcase game in London.

LeBron James’ Oscar-worthy effort to shatter Sudanese dreams

It was LeBron James’ fairy tale night that saved the team. The superstar proved everyone wrong who raised questions when he was voted as the #1 team in the Team USA roster. James lived by the phrase “Cometh the hour, cometh the hero.“ When it was time to draw up the game-deciding play, Steve Kerr confidently orchestrated it with King James. And the superstar completed it without any hassle like he always does.

With only 12 seconds left on the clock, the Akron Hammer dropped a game-winning layup to secure a one-point lead. He also led the team with 25 points and 7 assists. Examining James’ effort, Windhorst said, “LeBron James didn’t want to lose. He may buy the rights to the South Sudan story to make a movie about it someday. But he didn’t want to be on that movie as a guy who lost. The way he played and the way he made the game-winning basket you could see it.” 

The team has one more exhibition game against Germany before they set out on their journey to Paris. Kevin Durant is yet to make an appearance in the national jersey this year. Fans may get a glimpse of the recovering Slim Reaper in the next game.

Will Team USA win the gold medal as they promised? Let us know in the comments below.