LeBron James continues to defy Father Time. During recent exhibition games in London against South Sudan and Germany, the 39-year-old proved he’s still the leader and best player on a Team USA squad featuring the likes of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, and Jayson Tatum. James has been the standout player for Team USA in their Olympics tune-ups.

But it wasn’t always this way. In fact, back in 2008, James was nearly left off Team USA’s Beijing-bound Olympics roster due to his ‘immaturity’ and ‘downright disrespectfulness.’ According to a stunning report from NBA Insider and former Yahoo Sports columnist, Adrian Wojnarowski, James’ behavior at the time raised serious concerns about his suitability for the Olympic team.

In the midst of weighing his NBA future and discussing the potential of linking up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, there were genuine doubts about The King’s ability to contribute positively to the team. James had been part of the disgraced 2004 Summer Olympics and the 2006 FIBA World Championship squads that had only managed to win bronze medals, humiliating the US on a global scale.

By 2008, the powerhouse basketball nation was still reeling from those public embarrassments. To avoid another catastrophe, Team USA assembled an Olympics team that simply couldn’t fail. Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant was recruited by Team USA head coach and Duke legend Mike Krzyzewski to lead the charge in China. NBA All-Stars like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and Jason Kidd raised the talent levels to unprecedented heights.

While James was undeniably talented, his maturity was questioned. The 2008 Olympics team, led by Kobe Bryant, felt they could win gold even without LeBron. Krzyzewski recognized the need to do things differently and decided there would be no place for ego and status in his locker room. According to Wojnarowski, “the issue of James’ immaturity and downright disrespectfulness had become a consuming topic on the march to the Olympics.”

James eventually understood the message and decided to align with the team’s goals. He reportedly became more tolerable to coaches, teammates, and staff, with teammate Jason Kidd, an elder statesman in the group, helping to teach him professionalism. This decision ultimately paid off. Bryant was the captain and leader, Wade was the leading scorer, and James was the perfect facilitator. Team USA cruised through the tournament, beating Spain in the gold medal game to finish undefeated.

In London four years later, LeBron was the heartbeat of a Team USA squad that claimed another Olympic gold medal. Although he did not play in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, he’s returned for Team USA in 2024, likely his final Olympics.

As he nears his 40th year, James remains the US’s No. 1 option, evidenced by his clutch performances against South Sudan and Germany at the O2 Arena recently. LeBron, who was announced as the male flagbearer for the US at the Olympics Opening Ceremony, saved Team USA’s blushes against basketball minnows South Sudan by hitting the game-winning layup with eight seconds to go. He came to the rescue once again against world champions Germany, scoring the final 11 points for the Americans in the fourth quarter to secure a 92-88 victory.

Team USA head coach Steve Kerr believes that James’ most valuable attribute is his leadership. Despite his age, LeBron continues to be an integral part of the Team USA machine, a testament to his astonishing longevity. Much like the ’08 Redeem Team, the 2024 version of USA basketball will need James at his best if they’re to bring home Olympic gold.

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