
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Apr 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Noah Lyles set the NBA world a blaze last year after he called the league out. Lyles’s “World champion of what?” comment didn’t sit well with many. While the argument that winning a National basketball league isn’t worthy of the “World Champion” label is logical, many pundits said that the best players in the world play in the NBA. So, that label is justified.
However, Team USA’s tragic fall in the FIBA World Cup made sure that Lyles had the last laugh. Now, with only a few months remaining for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the athlete comes to exact revenge on basketball again. This time he hit players like LeBron James and Steph Cury where it hurts the salary cap; which doesn’t follow usual suit.
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The payout in the Olympics depends on the performance of the individual or the team. For Athletics, the bonus for a gold medal is $50,000, on the flip side for basketball the medal bonus is half $25,000. So, in case both Lyles, Steph, and Bron all end up winning the gold medal, the track and field athlete will stand to bag more cash.
However, the basketball team’s tragedy doesn’t end there. “There can be (but aren’t always) significant clauses in their endorsement contracts for their appearance in the Olympics,” according to a Reddit user. For King James, a gold medal isn’t something very elusive, having won twice in the past in 2008 and 2012. However, after the defeat in last year’s FIBA World Cup, things might be personal this time.
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LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant trio at the helm of Team USA
In a recent X post by Adrian Wojnarowski, he confirmed all three Bron, KD and Steph Will be representing team USA at the Olympics. “ ESPN Sources: USA Basketball is finalizing its 2024 Paris Olympics roster with Steph Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Devin Booker, Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, Jrue Holiday, Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis. Team may initially keep one open spot,” stated the caption. The spot for the 12th member remains undecided with Kawhi Leonard as the top prospect.
King James will be making his fourth appearance in the Olympics hoping to snag a third medal. Durant who is also a two-time gold medalist will join the team for his fourth appearance as well. Curry, on the other hand, will be making his debut on the Olympic stage at the age of 36 after missing out previous 2 due to injuries and personal reasons. This is very exciting for basketball fans as this is probably the last time these three will play together. That’s also why Team USA are favorite to win gold.
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