Success-wise, nothing has changed in the 12 years for LeBron James after his last gold medal conquest. However, now at 39, even though still exemplary, James isn’t what he was a decade ago. Does that change how coach Steve Kerr uses him?

Initially, many thought so. Some guessed Bron’s role would see a slight decline, much like Kobe Bryant (34 at the time) in the 2012 Olympics. However, Team USA’s exhibition games until now showcases coach Steve Kerr’s blind confidence in the methods, decision-making, and basketball IQ of James.

Even Bill Simmons, an industry veteran and the CEO of sports website ‘The Ringer’, was left intrigued.

During an episode of The Bill Simmons podcast, the basketball analyst said, “The most interesting thing about that to me is the LeBron piece because heading into the Olympics, I didn’t know if it was going to be LeBron. We’re so happy for you to be here. You and Curry are the faces of the team. Maybe we’ll bring you off the bench as the sixth man. Maybe you’ll start, you’ll play 20 minutes, a little like Kobe in 2012. It’s not like that at all. They’ve given him the car keys. He’s the point forward of this team.”

Simmons expected LeBron James to be used like an aging Kobe Bryant back in 2o12. During the run, the Black Mamba, even though a more-than-stable component, wasn’t utilized for heavy minutes. He averaged only 17.3 minutes per game (more than 6 minutes less than the 2008 edition), scoring a little more than 12 points in that time on heightened efficiency because of the relaxed workload. However, that’s not the plan Kerr has in store for ‘The Chosen One’.

“Steve Kerr basically is using LeBron in this crazy 19.0 version of Draymond Green…but with the added bonus of LeBron can shoot and he’s one of the three greatest players of all time, he’s the leading scorer in points in NBA history. But you also have all the stuff you can still do through Curry and Draymond, but you just do it through LeBron.”

And that choice seems to have paid off in plenty. Up until now in the pre-Olympic games, James has averaged 9.3 points on 50.0 percent shooting (11-of-22) with 2.7 assists and 2.7 assists per contest.

Notably, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and LeBron James are the only players from the 2012 team. KD topped many scoring and shooting charts for Team USA, one of them being his Olympic record of 156 points. However, this time, he’s been out of all five pre-Olympic exhibition games, owing to a right-calf strain he sustained during training in June.

Bron will continue to play a key part in Team USA’s objective of winning a 5th straight Gold medal. He’s a master at reading schemes, and controlling the tempo will make him “indispensable” for Kerr.

LeBron James’ has been a savior for Team USA’s exhibition, pre-Olympics

Nothing personified the role of LeBron James on Team USA than the nail-biting win against South Sudan. Like he carried the Cavaliers on his back for years, this time he had to stand and deliver the promise of ‘the Chosen One’, again. Team USA was in a 16-point deficit, with their novice oppositions relying on their long shooting to curb the star-laden hoopers team. South Sudan’s fighting spirit nearly did the job. But there was the King, once again wearing his crown to rescue the team.

LeBron James recorded a game-high 25 points against the intense defense of South Sudan that curtailed most of the US players. On the other hand, his playmaking was sharp as ever and his ability to see everything on the court helped him regain rhythm. Finally, with Team USA trailing by a single point, 100-99, he took it upon himself to finish with a strong drive to the basket and lay it up for the win.

He had a similar showing against Germany. 11 of his game-high 20-point tally came in the final four minutes, as the Hoopers survived the daunting Germans, preventing a re-spark of the 2023 nightmare.

Nostalgia has been at its peak these past few nights.

Even Anthony Edwards, the explosive star of the Timberwolves, couldn’t help but be flattered at the sight of his 39-year-old teammate. He simply answered “LeBron James” as the core reason for Team USA’s fightback against South Sudan. After the game, walking to the locker room, James said, “It’s better than those blowouts. I like to be tested.” And tested they were by the Sudanese. Props to them for holding a star-studded team to just 101 points.

King James’ performance was indicative of the prowess he still hosts. Until now, he hasn’t shown signs of regression. And from a pure fan’s perspective, it doesn’t seem like Paris will be the moment he decides to act human since it will be the last time LeBron James dons Team USA’s jersey. Do you think the Lakers ace is the best player on Team USA? Let us know in the comments below.