This Is Our Team: LeBron James
01 October 2008
At 23, LeBron has led Team USA into international battle twice. Now, with a team of dedicated veterans and superstars, his third time could be the charm.
Before LeBron James ever stepped foot on the professional hardwood, he was being called the future of the game. He was a young phenom from Akron, a baller that could play all five positions, who easily made the transition from high school to the pros. In his very first season, he lived up to all the hype, instantly becoming king of the court.
Right after his first season, LeBron got an offer he couldn't refuse: a spot on the 2004 U.S. National Team. It was supposed to be guaranteed gold for a country that had never lost with professional players, and a perfect way to introduce him to the world.
At the Summer Games in Athens, LeBron knew he wouldn’t play major minutes because of his rookie status. But it wasn't easy to sit by and watch his team fall, while he only saw 14 minutes of action a game. It was a painful learning experience for LeBron, and an even more painful defeat for the country. History had been made and Team USA's image would forever be scarred.
"I had no idea what I was getting into," LeBron said. "Everything on the court I did not expect, but I think I'd do it again.”
Two years later, after establishing himself further as one of league's best, LeBron was made a tri-captain. He was looking toward the 2006 World Championships to redeem the country’s historic loss in Athens. Confident, and stacked with the NBA's biggest names, Team USA headed to Japan with revenge in mind.
But it wouldn’t get any better in 2006.
He led Team USA to eight straight victories at the World Championships, averaging 13.9 points per game. But in the semis, they lost to Greece – and had to settle for another bronze medal. It was a crushing loss that only left more questions about the team’s ability to play as a unit. But LeBron knew there were positives the team could build on.
“But we've gotten better and come together and become a family,” he said after the loss to Greece. “We just need to keep driving and getting better, and loving FIBA basketball because it's great. It's been good to us.”
He returned to the NBA, carrying Cleveland on his back for a magical run to the 2006-07 finals. His epic 48-point explosion in the conference finals was considered one of the best playoff performances of all time. And though he had an extraordinary season and posted record-breaking numbers, the championship trophy was just out of reach.
His next shot at redemption came last summer at the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament. He knew that to overcome past failures, he needed to make sure the team chemistry was just right.
“I always try to include all my teammates in every play. The chemistry that we have is also helpful, we’re a lot more confident now. In this team, it’s about all of us participating and making it as high as we can go,” said LeBron. “Scoring points is not important, what’s important is playing well and winning.”
With veteran teammates like Kobe and Jason Kidd, LeBron stepped up to earn his victory. In just over 22 minutes of play per tournament game, LeBron averaged over 18 points apiece. And when the team needed an extra push, he came through with a monster 31 points in the finals game against Argentina. With the gold medal, Team USA secured a spot in the 2008 Summer Games.
After a rough start to his international career, LeBron is facing another chance to capture the top prize. And following a record-breaking 2007-08 season and spectacular play in the playoffs, he's not settling for anything less than gold.
More on LeBron
Learn his Signature Moves »
More on Team USA
See all Team USA Bio’s »
Check out the Olympic Histories »
Meet the Competition »
Before LeBron James ever stepped foot on the professional hardwood, he was being called the future of the game. He was a young phenom from Akron, a baller that could play all five positions, who easily made the transition from high school to the pros. In his very first season, he lived up to all the hype, instantly becoming king of the court.
Right after his first season, LeBron got an offer he couldn't refuse: a spot on the 2004 U.S. National Team. It was supposed to be guaranteed gold for a country that had never lost with professional players, and a perfect way to introduce him to the world.
At the Summer Games in Athens, LeBron knew he wouldn’t play major minutes because of his rookie status. But it wasn't easy to sit by and watch his team fall, while he only saw 14 minutes of action a game. It was a painful learning experience for LeBron, and an even more painful defeat for the country. History had been made and Team USA's image would forever be scarred.
"I had no idea what I was getting into," LeBron said. "Everything on the court I did not expect, but I think I'd do it again.”
Two years later, after establishing himself further as one of league's best, LeBron was made a tri-captain. He was looking toward the 2006 World Championships to redeem the country’s historic loss in Athens. Confident, and stacked with the NBA's biggest names, Team USA headed to Japan with revenge in mind.
But it wouldn’t get any better in 2006.
He led Team USA to eight straight victories at the World Championships, averaging 13.9 points per game. But in the semis, they lost to Greece – and had to settle for another bronze medal. It was a crushing loss that only left more questions about the team’s ability to play as a unit. But LeBron knew there were positives the team could build on.
“But we've gotten better and come together and become a family,” he said after the loss to Greece. “We just need to keep driving and getting better, and loving FIBA basketball because it's great. It's been good to us.”
He returned to the NBA, carrying Cleveland on his back for a magical run to the 2006-07 finals. His epic 48-point explosion in the conference finals was considered one of the best playoff performances of all time. And though he had an extraordinary season and posted record-breaking numbers, the championship trophy was just out of reach.
His next shot at redemption came last summer at the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament. He knew that to overcome past failures, he needed to make sure the team chemistry was just right.
“I always try to include all my teammates in every play. The chemistry that we have is also helpful, we’re a lot more confident now. In this team, it’s about all of us participating and making it as high as we can go,” said LeBron. “Scoring points is not important, what’s important is playing well and winning.”
With veteran teammates like Kobe and Jason Kidd, LeBron stepped up to earn his victory. In just over 22 minutes of play per tournament game, LeBron averaged over 18 points apiece. And when the team needed an extra push, he came through with a monster 31 points in the finals game against Argentina. With the gold medal, Team USA secured a spot in the 2008 Summer Games.
After a rough start to his international career, LeBron is facing another chance to capture the top prize. And following a record-breaking 2007-08 season and spectacular play in the playoffs, he's not settling for anything less than gold.
More on LeBron
Learn his Signature Moves »
More on Team USA
See all Team USA Bio’s »
Check out the Olympic Histories »
Meet the Competition »
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