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As LeBron James Drops 2024 Olympics Bomb, $100,000,000 Ex-Lakers Teammate Subtly Throws His Own Hat in the Ring: “Anybody Can Be Nice with the Ball..”

Published 09/12/2023, 1:00 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The FIBA Basketball World Cup is accustomed to NBA star power. And as the USA team frequently has a strong lineup, they are stocked with some of the league’s best players. However, when the dust settled on Team USA’s tournament run, it became evident that skill alone was insufficient to clinch success. Washington Wizards star nailed the nail on the head in an honest Twitter post. After LeBron James dropped the news of his Olympics plans, his ex-teammate spoke about USA’s current performance. The $100,000,000 ex-Laker put light on a critical but frequently overlooked issue that influenced Team USA’s success.

A player’s tweet causing a ruckus in the NBA World

The star who was not afraid to speak his mind about the FIBA World Cup loss of his nation was Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma was an important player of the Los Angeles Lakers championship team as a supporting cast member. He demonstrated his ability to adapt and perform within a set position. When granted the opportunity to be the top choice with the Washington Wizards, he evolved into a potential All-Star player.

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Kuzma didn’t mince words in his post, identifying a problem that seems to hinder the team’s cohesion. He wrote, “USA basketball better get some NBA stars that know how to play a role. Anybody can be nice with the ball in their hands but can you be cool with defending and going to the corner for a few possessions?” It’s easy to disregard Kuzma’s words as a tactic to get a spot on the team for the 2018 Olympics.

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But beyond the surface is a profound reality created by his personal experiences.

What frequently goes overlooked is the connection and understanding that athletes from competing teams have formed through years of playing together. They understand the necessity of accepting their assigned positions. It can sometimes be ignored when assembling a team of NBA superstars. Talking about superstars, LeBron James made a huge announcement, he will play one last time at the Olympics.

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LeBron James talking about his 2024 Olympics plan

LeBron James, a three-time Medalist and NBA legend, is eager to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. He has reached out to numerous great players, including Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, and Draymond Green. He is trying to bring them to join him on the USA Basketball squad in Paris. Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, De’Aaron Fox, and Kyrie Irving have also indicated a strong interest in joining the Olympic team.

via Getty

LeBron’s efforts to construct a competitive lineup began far before the recent FIBA World Cup. And their choice to participate looks unconnected to the World Cup results. Despite recent World Cup setbacks, Team USA is still keen to extend its Olympic gold medal streak. And as Team USA prepares for future contests, Kuzma’s observations might be the key to realizing their full potential on the international stage.

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Watch this Story: Not for LeBron James to Opt-in on $51,415,938 Player Option, Lakers Would Actually Recruit 18YO Son Bronny for His Skills

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Written by:

Dhruv Shastry

720Articles

One take at a time

Dhruv is an NBA writer at ES with years of playing experience to name. Despite the ankle injury barring him from playing further, he never lost touch with the sport. He loves the swag and the attitude basketball players possess.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja