Lebron James opts out of Rio Olympics...not because of Zika, but because he needs to rest
Fri Jun 24, 2016 11:19:am Sports
2.2K By Buchi Obichie
He just led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a historic first NBA Championship title after defeating the Golden State Warriors; but NBA superstar LeBron James, has disclosed that he will be absent from the USA's basketball team at the Rio Olympics.
James' agent Rich Paul told Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo of the decision on Thursday.
Lebron insists though, that his decision is simply due to the fact that he needs a break, and has nothing to do with Brazil's Zika epidemic.
'I could use the rest,' James told Cleveland.com.
James is the latest in a string of NBA players to opt out of participation at the forthcoming Olympics.
Steph Curry, Golden State's star point guard, will also miss the tournament as he recovers from an injury.
James cited in part, the grind of having logged so much court time through six consecutive trips to the NBA Finals, including rallying the Cavaliers from a 3-1 deficit in the best-of-seven final to a stunning seventh-game triumph for the NBA crown.
The three-time NBA champion and four-time league Most Valuable Player (MVP) won gold medals with Team USA at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
James' agent Rich Paul told Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo of the decision on Thursday.
Lebron insists though, that his decision is simply due to the fact that he needs a break, and has nothing to do with Brazil's Zika epidemic.
'I could use the rest,' James told Cleveland.com.
James is the latest in a string of NBA players to opt out of participation at the forthcoming Olympics.
Steph Curry, Golden State's star point guard, will also miss the tournament as he recovers from an injury.
James cited in part, the grind of having logged so much court time through six consecutive trips to the NBA Finals, including rallying the Cavaliers from a 3-1 deficit in the best-of-seven final to a stunning seventh-game triumph for the NBA crown.
The three-time NBA champion and four-time league Most Valuable Player (MVP) won gold medals with Team USA at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
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