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LeBron James has been the face of the NBA for two decades. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have been bona fide NBA superstars for over a decade.
And for the first time ever, all three will represent the United States at the same time when they participate in the Summer Olympics in Paris.
The moment isn’t lost on James, who spoke with ESPN’s Tim Bontemps on the matter.
“I can’t speak for those two guys, but for me, it’s going to be ecstatic excitement, a humbling wow factor,” James said. “The last 15, 17, 18 years, myself, Steph, KD, have been the talk of the NBA. …
“We don’t know how many more opportunities we’re going to have to even play the game. So to be able to have this moment at this point in our careers is just super special.”
James, Curry and Durant hadn’t played on the same team ever until the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, when they all represented the Western Conference.
James turns 40 in December, while Curry and Durant are both in their mid-30s. It’s possible this is the one-and-only time they all play for Team USA, but KD isn’t so sure.
“Nah,” Durant said to Bontemps with a smile regarding whether this was a “last hurrah” for this trio together.
“These guys are still playing at an elite level. I feel like Bron could play 4 or 5 more and be here in 2028 in [the Los Angeles Olympics]. Steph’s still playing great ball. I’m doing all right, too.
“I don’t want this to be a farewell tour or make it just about us three. It’s about trying to win this fifth in a row.”
Durant has played (and won) for the United States in the last three Olympic Games. James was part of the “Redeem Team” in 2008, which kickstarted the United States’ run of four straight gold medals. He and Durant played together in 2012 as well.
Curry has never played for the United States in the Olympics, but he did suit up for the U.S. at the 2010 and 2014 World Championships (both wins).
James, Curry and Durant will make their official debut as a trio together on July 28, when the United States opens group play against Serbia.
