Name: LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard top list for U.S. team at 2020 Olympics
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LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard top list for U.S. team at 2020 Olympics

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Copyright © 2022, Los Angeles Times | | | | Advertisement LeBron James had just led the Cleveland Cavaliers — including a tough, seven-game finals — when he decided to skip the . That meant passing on a chance to become the first American to win four medals in men’s basketball.Now he has another chance .The Lakers star heads a list of 44 players nominated to represent the U.S. at the upcoming Summer Games. USA Basketball issued the finalists’ names on Monday morning, also including stars such as Damian Lillard, James Harden and Russell Westbrook.Tokyo would mark James’ fourth trip to the Games after winning two golds and a bronze dating back to 2004 in Athens. Officials have spoken with the candidates to confirm their willingness to play. The Lakers and Clippers can scratch point guard Darren Collison off their free-agent lists after he decides to stay retired and not play this season. Advertisement“It means everything to represent my country,” James said in a video released by USA Basketball. “Playing for Team USA means everything.”The Lakers have five candidates, including Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, Kyle Kuzma and JaVale McGee. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Montrezl Harrell of the Clippers also have a shot.The initial roster features nine players who earned gold in 2016 and all 12 from fall’s World Cup team. Managing director Jerry Colangelo and coach Gregg Popovich will decide who gets invited to training camp in early summer.“Over the course of the remainder of the NBA season we’ll continue to monitor all the athletes,” Colangelo said. “Selecting the 12-man USA roster will obviously be an extremely challenging and difficult process.”The Americans are favored to defend their title in Tokyo but stumbled to seventh place with a depleted roster at the 2019 World Cup — — and will face a handful of countries that have NBA talent.Australia should feature Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons and Joe Ingles of the Utah Jazz. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks will lead Greece and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets will play for Serbia. Demand for Kobe Bryant tribute tattoos is booming. One shop said its business has tripled. Another artist said he is booked up for the rest of the year. “Anyone who follows international basketball knows there are many really good players from all around the world,” Popovich said, adding that “there are many teams that will have a legitimate shot at capturing gold.”Tokyo could mark a comeback for at least two marquee NBA names who have not played this season, with Kevin Durant aiming to recover from Achilles surgery and Klay Thompson working to rehabilitate his knee.Lakers: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, Kyle Kuzma, JaVale McGeeClippers: Paul George, Montrezl Harrell, Kawhi LeonardBoston Celtics: Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Kemba WalkerSan Antonio Spurs: LaMarcus Aldridge, DeMar DeRozan, Derrick WhiteIndiana Pacers: Malcolm Brogdon, Victor Oladipo, Myles TurnerBrooklyn Nets: Kevin Durant, Joe Harris, Kyrie IrvingGolden State Warriors: Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay ThompsonMiami Heat: Bam Adebayo, Jimmy ButlerUtah Jazz: Mike Conley, Donovan MitchellMilwaukee Bucks: Brook Lopez, Khris MiddletonHouston Rockets: James Harden, Russell WestbrookCleveland Cavaliers: Andre Drummond, Kevin LoveOklahoma City Thunder: Chris PaulWashington Wizards: Bradley BealPhoenix Suns: Devin BookerPhiladelphia 76ers: Tobias HarrisNew Orleans Pelicans: Brandon IngramPortland Trail Blazers: Damian LillardSacramento Kings: Harrison BarnesToronto Raptors: Kyle LowryDenver Nuggets: Mason PlumleeBy providing your mobile number, you agree to receive automated SMS text messages about the NBA and to receive special offers from the Los Angeles Times. Standard messaging rates apply. You can always text STOP to quit or HELP for more information. By signing up for this SMS service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All things Lakers, all the time. Get all the Lakers news you need in Dan Woike's weekly newsletter. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement

Copyright © 2022, Los Angeles Times | | | | Advertisement LeBron James had just led the Cleveland Cavaliers — including a tough, seven-game finals — when he decided to skip the . That meant passing on a chance to become the first American to win four medals in men’s basketball.Now he has another chance .The Lakers star heads a list of 44 players nominated to represent the U.S. at the upcoming Summer Games. USA Basketball issued the finalists’ names on Monday morning, also including stars such as Damian Lillard, James Harden and Russell Westbrook.Tokyo would mark James’ fourth trip to the...

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LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard top list for U.S. team at 2020 Olympics

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