LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: LeBron James #6 of the United States celebrates winning the Men’s Basketball gold medal game between the United States and Spain on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympics Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 12, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
OlympicsBy Ryan Williamson on

A day after LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Championship, news is already beginning to pop up about James’ status for the upcoming Rio Olympics.

The Vertical reported Monday that James is leaning toward not playing in the 2016 Olympics in Rio. If this report is true, James would join a number of big-name players that have decided to skip out on the upcoming games.

This news is reportedly nothing new to USA Basketball. Team officials have been reportedly operating as if James will not play for Team USA in 2016. He has played in each of the past three Olympics, helping the U.S. reestablish its dominance in men’s basketball.

If James is true to this word, he will join a list of NBA players that have bowed out of the Olympics. This includes Steph Curry, who withdrew about two weeks ago. Other marquee American players not competing in Rio include Russell Westbrook, James Harden and LaMarcus Aldridge. One of the only players to come out in strong support of playing in the Games is Kevin Durant.

[The Vertical]

About Ryan Williamson

Ryan is a recent graduate of the University of Missouri and has recently returned to his Minnesota roots. He previously has worked for the Columbia Missourian, KFAN radio in Minneapolis and BringMeTheNews.com. Feel free to email me at rwilliamson29 AT Gmail dot com.

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