LeBron James in the Olympics: Reliving his best and worst moments - SBNation.com LeBron James in the Olympics: Reliving his best and worst moments Rec Harry How LeBron James still has plenty of haters out there, but if those haters love America, even they should be saddened by the news that the NBA's two-time reigning MVP likely won't don a Team USA jersey ever again in international competition . James is far and away the best player on the planet, and his departure from Team USA means the squad will be a bit worse when the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics roll around. Sure, even without James, Team USA will likely enter those Olympics as the favorite behind the leadership of Kevin Durant . But not having James around will make things a smidge harder against increasingly stiff competition from the rest of the world. More: L.A. kids grow up with Team USA Who will stop Marc Gasol? If James truly is finished as a member of Team USA, he goes down as the current all-time leading scorer in U.S. men's basketball history. James also became the first American to deliver a triple-double in Olympic play in 2012.

However, things weren't always dandy when it came to James and the Olympics. 2004 was a debacle and James' poor behavior in the years leading up to the 2008 Olympics almost kept him off the team. Luckily for Team USA, he got his act together. So let's take a look back at James' best and worst moments of his decorated Olympic career. 2004 Athens Olympics While James had only been in the NBA one season at this point, he still had never known anything but being the star player on the team. In Athens, James was not the star, and head coach Larry Brown said that the youngster was not 100 percent receptive to reduced minutes. James spent much of those Olympics on the bench, averaging just 5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds in 14.6 minutes per game. Team USA failed to win gold in Athens, becoming the first American team to do that since they began using professionals. James certainly wasn't happy with his lack of playing time, and this was just the beginning of some of the negative feelings harbored by some toward James.

2008 Beijing Olympics While there was a happy ending, James' behavior in the 2004 Olympics and several years after almost cost him a spot on the 2008 team. Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski had the details : From Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski to managing director Jerry Colangelo to NBA elders, the issue of James' immaturity and downright disrespectfulness had become a consuming topic on the march to the Olympics. The course of history could've changed dramatically, because there was a real risk that James wouldn't be brought to Beijing based on fears his monumental talents weren't worth the daily grind of dealing with him. Woj had much more on James' transgressions, and while some of it may seem over the top, it's clear that James was a pain in the rear end. Of course, James began to grow up, which would prove to be a boon for Team USA. James averaged 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists as the U.S. went undefeated on their way to a gold medal.

In the gold-medal clincher against Spain, he had 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists while shooting 6-of-9 from the field. Along the way, James racked up his fair share of typical breathtaking highlights. Here, James puts poor Chris Kaman on a poster: James is also known for his vicious blocks, and he had several of those in Beijing: This was only the beginning of James' Olympic dominance, and it also helped set the stage for "The Decision" in the summer of 2010. 2012 London Olympics James followed up his brilliant 2008 Olympics with more greatness in 2012, helping Team USA to another gold medal and capping off a year that saw him win an NBA MVP, the NBA championship and a gold medal. The only other player to achieve such a feat? Michael Jordan. James averaged 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists in London, and he took over games when Team USA needed him most. In a tight win over Lithuania, it was James who made the big plays down the stretch.

In the quarterfinals against Australia, James notched a triple-double of 11 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. And in the gold-medal game against Spain, James had 19 points and several clutch baskets in the final minutes. We've seen him soar over international defenders: Track down NBA talent to erase fast break opportunities: And thread incredible passes through dense defensive alignments: After the 107-100 win over Spain to clinch the gold medal for Team USA, LeBron relished the difficulty of the squad's Olympic journey. For a superstar that often makes things look easy in the face of consistently outrageous expectations, it's instructive to remember that the struggle is part of what has helped to push LeBron to get better throughout his career (quotes via SI.com): "We knew it wasn't going to be easy. We didn't want it easy," James said. "A lot of teams have won gold easy. We didn't want it that way. We're a competitive team and we love when it gets tight. That's when our will and determination kind of shows.

It was the same way in '08." Final Thoughts If this is truly the end of LeBron's tenure with Team USA, basketball fans should take comfort in fact that he offered up his summers during his prime years to make his mark on the international level. For all of his individual NBA accomplishments, James' time with Team USA provided us all with the golden opportunity to see him take a team loaded with superstars and assume his natural role as a brilliant facilitator and play maker. For all of the usual angst and outrage over the relative strength of his supporting cast in the NBA, the Olympic experience washed those issues away and helped the world focus on the supreme talent of a truly unique superstar. Team USA has always been the perfect context in which to fully appreciate the talent of LeBron James. But at age 28, he may finally need to step back and save his body during the summer months to give him the best chance at adding more NBA titles to his resume. Even in the wake of the recent reports, let's not forget that if the relationship has truly ended, it happened on a high note : More from SB Nation: LeBron James' Team USA career likely over LeBron James' Team USA career likely over Marc J.

Spears View photos LAS VEGAS – LeBron James' days of playing for Team USA have likely ended. James, 28, will not play for USA Basketball during the 2014 world championships in Spain and is doubtful to participate in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, a source close to the Miami Heat forward told Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday. USA Basketball executive director Jerry Colangelo also confirmed to Yahoo! Sports he doesn't expect James to play next summer – and doesn't plan to ask him. James has already won two Olympic gold medals and a bronze in three Olympic appearances that began in 2004. View photos "LeBron is going to be three years older during the next Olympics. He will have two older boys. He has a lot to endure with his family," the source told Y! Sports. "He played in three Olympics. Everyone that knows LeBron knows it's always based on a decision at that moment. But if the moment was today, the answer would be no." James would benefit from more offseason rest as he gets older, especially given how many playoff games he's playing.

He's made three consecutive trips to the NBA Finals and played in a combined 99 NBA games last season after taking part in the 2012 London Olympics. Since winning his second straight title with the Heat last month, James has had a busy summer with trips to China and the Philippines, commercial shoots, his prep basketball camp in Las Vegas, business meetings – and planning for his upcoming wedding. "The only way I could see him playing in the Olympics is if his country really, really needed him to play," the source said. "But hasn't he done enough?" Another sign that James' international playing days are nearing an end: Colangelo proclaimed Kevin Durant as "kind of the face of USA Basketball going forward" to reporters after Wednesday's minicamp practice. Durant and Kevin Love announced they will play for the U.S. next summer. Colangelo said he expects another "two or four" members from the past Olympics team to play next year. Durant said he expects Russell Westbrook and James Harden to play next year. Kyrie Irving and Paul George, who participated in this week's minicamp, also are expected to be on the team. James might not be the only U.S. veteran to stop playing internationally.

Kobe Bryant is 34 and coming off season-ending Achilles surgery. Dwyane Wade (31), Chris Bosh (29) and even Chris Paul (28) also could want to cut back their time on the court after the NBA season ends. Read More "Those guys are getting older," Durant said. "Their time is precious." Colangelo has not asked James about the 2016 Olympics, but would welcome him if he changes his mind and decides to play."I don't think he will ever too old," Colangelo said. "He can be 40 and still be able to play. Think of what he might be able to accomplish in terms of legacy with one more medal. "We'll cross that bridge later." Related coverage on Yahoo! Sports: USA Basketball: LeBron James School: St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (Ohio) USA BASKETBALL NOTES Gold Medals: 2012 Olympic Games, 2008 Olympic Games, 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, 2001 USA Basketball Youth Development Festival. Bronze Medals: 2006 FIBA World Champioship, 2004 Olympic Games.

Named a member of the 2014-16 USA Menï¿½s National Team on Jan. 23, 2014. Member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team that finished 8-0 and won the gold medal. Started in all eight games and averaged a team third best 13.3 ppg., and added 5.6 rpg., a team high 5.6 apg., 1.4 spg., and shot 60.3 percent (44-73) from the field and 75.0 percent (12-16) from the free throw line. Member of the 2012 USA National Team that finished pre-Olympic tour with a 5-0 record. Started in all five games and averaged a team best 18.6 ppg., and added 4.8 rpg., 4.0 apg., 1.8 spg., and shot 59.0 percent (36-61) from the field and 50.0 percent (6-12) from 3-point.

Selected USA Basketball's 2012 Athlete of the Year. Is one of three U.S. male players to play on three Olympic teams. Among all competitors at the 2012 Olympic Games, he ranked No. 2 in assists (45), No. 7 in assists averaged (1.4) and No. 9 in points (106) and field goal percentage (.603). In the U.S. Olympic career record book, he is tied with David Robinson for most games played (24) and lists No. 1 in points scored (273), field goals made (113) and assists (88), as well as No. 2 in rebounds (95) and field goals attempted (188), No. 3 in field goals made (78) and 3-pointers attempted (58), tied for No.3 in steals (36), tied for No. 4 in 3-pointers made (22) and tied for No. 5 in blocked shots (10). In the quarterfinal game against Australia on Aug.

8, James finished with 11 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists for the first triple-double in U.S. Olympic history and just the second triple-double in the Olympics overall (since assists were kept as an official statistic in 1976). His 12 assists tied the all-time U.S. Olympic single-game high, and his 14 rebounds tied the overall 2012 Olympic single-game high. With the USA trailing Lithuania 82-80 in the fourth quarter of preliminary round play, LeBron scored nine of his 20 points in the last four minutes to help the U.S. to a hard-fought 99-94 win. In the gold medal game against Spain on Aug. 12, James tallied 19 points, seven rebounds and dished out a team-high four assists. Named a finalist for the 2012 USA Menï¿½s Olympic Team on Jan. 16, 2012. Named a member of the 2010-12 USA Menï¿½s National Team on Feb. 10, 2010. Member of the 2008 U.S.

Olympic Team that finished 8-0 and won the gold medal. Member of the 2008 USA Senior National Team that finished pre-Olympic tour with a 5-0 record. Member of the 2007 USA FIBA Americas Championship Team that finished 10-0, won gold and qualified the United States men for the 2008 Olympics. The USA Team was a team comprised of members of USA Basketball Senior National Team. Started in all 10 of the USAï¿½s FIBA Americas Championship games. Averaged a team second best 18.1 ppg., 3.6 rpg., a team leading 4.7 apg., a team second best 1.5 spg., averaged a team leading 22.2 minutes a game, while shooting a team second best 76.0 percent (73-96 FGs) from the field, a team second best 62.2 percent (23-37 3pt FGs) from 3-point, and 66.7 percent (12-18 FTs) from the foul line.

Ranked third on the team for made 3-pointers. Ranked among all FIBA Americas Championship competitors 10th in scoring, second in field goal percentage, second in assists, third in 3-point percentage, tied for seventh in 3-point field goals made, and tied for ninth in steals. Scored in double-digits in nine of the 10 games. Recorded 31 (11-15 FGs, 8-11 3pt FGs) in gold medal game victory over Argentina and had 27 points in second round win over Argentina. Led or shared team game scoring honors four times, led the squad in rebounding in one contest and led or shared team honors for assists in three games. In the 2007 State Farm USA Basketball Challenge he recorded 18 points, five assists, two rebounds and two blocked shots in 23 minutes for the USA Whit, which fell 105-104. Helped lead USA to an 8-1 record and bronze medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, and was named a tri-captain of the 2006 USA World Championship Team.

Was the only U.S. player to play and start in all nine games in the 2006 World Championship, and finished as the USA's third leading scorer, averaged 13.9 ppg., while playing a team high 24.2 mpg. Shot 58.2 percent from the field, while adding a team leading 4.8 rpg., a team second best 4.1 apg. and 1.6 spg. Was the only U.S. player to play and start in all nine games in the 2006 World Championship. His 37 assists rank tied for second most by a USA player in World Championship play. Finished the 2006 FIBA World Championship ranked 19th in scoring and fifth in assists. Named on August 17, 2006, a member of the 2006 USA World Championship Team. Named on March 5, 2006, to the 2006-2008 USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team. Helped lead the USA Senior National Team to a 5-0 record during its pre-World Championship tour averaging 15.8 ppg.

and 2.8 rpg. Member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic basketball team that finished 5-3 and won the bronze medal. Played in all eight games, averaged 5.4 ppg., 1.0 rpg., and 1.6 apg., shot 59.4 percent from the field. As a member of the 2004 USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team that compiled a 5-1 record in its pre-Olympic training, played in five games, averaged 5.8 ppg., 2.6 rpg., 1.6 apg. and shot 47.6 percent. Was 19 years, seven months and 13 days old when the ï¿½04 Olympics opened on Aug. 13, making him the youngest USA male basketball player to participate in the Olympics since Spencer Haywood in 1968 (Haywood was 19 years, five months and 26 days).

Selected for the 2001 USA Basketball Youth Development Festival, despite having just completed his sophomore high school season (the majority of Festival participants are high school juniors), he led the USA North Team to the Festival gold medal and averaged a Festival best 24.0 ppg., added a Festival fifth best 7.2 rpg., 2.2 apg., a Festival second best 2.0 spg., and shot 52.7 percent from the floor, and a Festival second best 47.8 percent (11-23 3pt FGs) from 3-point. Accounted for game highs of 25 points and 10 rebounds to lead the North to an 83-82 win over the East in the 2001 Youth Development Festival gold medal game. NBA HONORS Named MVP four times, winning the award in 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. Became the first player since Michael Jordan to win at least three MVPs.

Named MVP of the 2012 and 2013 Finals after leading Miami to back-to-back NBA titles. All-NBA first team selection eight times (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014). All-NBA second team twice (2005 and 2007). Voted NBA All-Defensive first team five times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013). Voted NBA All-Defensive second team once (2014). NBA Rookie of the Year in 2004. NBA All-Rookie first team in 2004. Ten-time (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014) NBA All-Star Game participant.

MVP of the 2006 and 2008 NBA All-Star Games. Starter for the Eastern Conference at the 2012 NBA All-Star Game and recorded 36 points (15-23 FGs, 6-8 3pt FGs), 6 rebounds, 7 assists in 32 minutes. Starter for the Eastern Conference at the 2011 NBA All-Star Game and recorded just the second triple-double ever in NBA All-Star history with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in 32 minutes. Starter for the Eastern Conference at the 2008 NBA All-Star Game, recorded 27 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals in 30:15 of action to earn MVP honors. Recorded in the 2007 NBA All-Star Game an East Team best 28 points and added 6 rebounds, 6 assists in 32 minutes.

Led all players in votes with 2,516,049, the second-highest total in history behind Yao Mingï¿½s 2005 total (2,558,278). Participated in the 2007 Skills Challenge that was won by USA teammate Dwyane Wade. Recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award for June 2006. Recorded 29 points and 6 rebounds to lead his East team back from a 21-points deficit and earned MVP honors at the 2006 NBA All-Star Game. Finished runner-up in the 2006 Skills Challenge. Named as a starter in the 2005 NBA All-Star Game and recorded 13 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Named 2003-04 NBA Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie first team. Seven time Eastern Conference Player of the Month.

Thirteen time Eastern Conference Player of the Week Won all six Rookie of the Month awards for the Eastern Conference to join Carmelo Anthony, David Robinson (1989-90) and Tim Duncan (1997-98) as the only rookies in NBA history to earn Rookie of the Month honors every month of their inaugural season. NBA MILESTONES Won in 2007-08 his first scoring title (30.0 ppg) and became one of only three players in NBA history ï¿½ joining Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson ï¿½ to average at least 30.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists in a season. In 2007-08 became the youngest player to score 10,000 career points. Has averaged at least 27.0 ppg., 6.0 rpg. and 6.0 apg. for three consecutive seasons. The only other player to accomplish that feat in at least three consecutive season was Oscar Robertson, who accomplished it in each of his first eight seasons.

In 2005-06, joined Oscar Robertson and Jerry West and Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history to post averages of at least 31 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Became the youngest NBA player to: be selected No.1; to be named All-NBA first team; named to an All-NBA team; named Rookie of the Year; named MVP of an NBA All-Star Game (2006); to score 30, 40 and 50 points in a game; to lead his team in scoring; to score 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 6,000, 7,000, 8,000, 9,000 and 10,000 career points; record a triple-double, score 2,000 points in a season; average at least 30 points a game in a season.

One of three rookies in NBA history to average at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in one season (joining Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan). Won all six Rookie of the Month awards for the Eastern Conference to join Carmelo Anthony and greats David Robinson (1989-90) and Tim Duncan (1997-98) as the only rookies in NBA history to receive Rookie of the Month honors every month of their inaugural season. Became the second-fastest player (Oscar Robertson) to reach 3,500 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists. Became in 2004-05 the fifth player in NBA history to post season averages of 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. NBA NOTES Completed in 2013-14 his 11th NBA season, fourth with Miami after seven with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Has played in 842 career games, started 841 games in his career and averaged 27.5 ppg., 7.2 rpg., 6.9 apg., 1.7 spg., while shooting 49.7 percent from the field, 34.1 percent from 3-point and 74.7 percent from the foul line. Has appeared and started in 137 career postseason games, has averaged 28.1 ppg., 8.6 rpg., 6.7 apg., and 1.7 spg. Signed in July 2010 with the Miami Heat. Averaged 25.7 ppg., 9.2 rpg. and 8.5 apg. in the 2007 conference finals against Detroit and became the fourth player in NBA history to average at least 25 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in a conference finals series. The others were Oscar Robertson (1963), John Havlicek (1968) and Larry Bird (1986). Ranked in the top five among rookies in all major statistical categories.

Led rookies in steals (1.65), second in scoring (20.9), third in assists (5.9), fifth in rebounding (5.5). Selected in the first round and No. 1 pick overall of the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. HIGH SCHOOL NOTES Consensus 2003 National High School Player of the Year. Selected the Parade Magazine High School Boys Basketball Player of the Year as a junior (2002) and senior (2003), becoming the first repeat winner in the awardï¿½s 47-year history. Named the USA Today and Gatorade National Player of the Year as both a junior and senior. Named to USA Today All-USA first team three consecutive seasons. Named Mr. Basketball for the state of Ohio by the Associated Press three straight seasons. Led St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to three state championships.

and during his four seasons he compiled 2,657 points, 892 rebounds and 523 assists Selected MVP of the 2003 McDonaldï¿½s High School American Game (27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in leading the East to a 122-107 win), the EA Sports Roundball Classic (28 points, six rebounds, five assists and led West to a 120-119 win),and the Jordan Capital Classic (34 points, 12 rebounds, six assists in a 107-102 loss). As a senior averaged 31.6 ppg., 9.6 rpg., 4.6 apg. and 3.,4 spg., while leading team to a 25-1 record and the USA Today national high school championship. Recorded 25 points and 11 rebounds as SVSM defeated Kettering Alter 40-36 on March 22, 2003, to win a third Ohio state championship.

As a junior, led SVSM to a state championship runner-up finish and averaged 29.0 ppg., 8.3 rpg., 5.7 apg. and 3.3 spg. During his sophomore season in 2000-01, led SVSM to the Division II state title and to a No, 5 ranking in the USA Today Super 25. Averaged 25.2 ppg., 7.2 rpg., 5.8 apg. and 3.8 spg. Aided team to a 27-0 record and the Division II state title as a freshman in 1999-2000, averaged 18.0 ppg. and 6.2 rpg. PERSONAL NOTES Born December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. Played high school football through his junior year. Helped lead SVSM to the state semifinals and as a sophomore was named All-State first team as a wide receiver. Wore #23 because he considered 1984 and 1992 Olympic gold medalist Michael Jordan his role model.

USA Basketball Statistics LeBron James won't play for USA Basketball at Rio Olympics LeBron James won't play for USA Basketball at Rio Olympics James informed Team USA of his decision on Thursday. Post to Facebook LeBron James won't play for USA Basketball at Rio Olympics James informed Team USA of his decision on Thursday. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. 15 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs LeBron James won't play for USA Basketball at Rio Olympics AJ Neuharth-Keusch , USA TODAY Sports Published 5:53 p.m. ET June 23, 2016 | Updated 2:11 p.m. ET June 24, 2016 CLOSE x Share Two more big names join the growing list of players that have withdrawn from consideration for Team USA basketball. usa today sports James won't play for Team USA in the 2016 Olympics. (Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports) LeBron James has all the gold he needs this summer.

Days after leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA title, James said he will not play in the Rio Olympics. James' agent, Rich Paul, told The Associated Press that the two-time gold medal winner informed USA Basketball of his decision Thursday. Also, when asked he planned to play for U.S. at Rio Olympics, LeBron James said, "I don't think so." — Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) June 22, 2016 James is just the latest addition to the lengthy list of NBA superstars who won't be in the red, white and blue this summer, joining Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, John Wall, Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge, Anthony Davis and James Harden. James has played in three consecutive Olympic tournaments, winning two golds (2008 and 2012) and a bronze (2004). He's one of the longest-tenured members of Team USA, having played 68 games for 11 separate teams. James is tied with San Antonio Spurs legend David Robinson for most Olympic games played (24), and is No.

1 in overall points scored (273), field goals made (113), and assists (88) in Olympic competition. James will be 35 years old when the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo begin. Contributing: The Associated Press A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Confetti falls infront of the famed LeBron James mural in downtown Cleveland. David Richard, USA TODAY Sports Kevin Love celebrates with fans and the Cavaliers' custom-made championship belt. David Richard, USA TODAY Sports Fans sit in a parking deck with a sign for J.R. Smith's absent shirt. David Richard, USA TODAY Sports Ohio State basketball coach Thad Matta, AD Gene Smith and football coach Urban Meyer ride in a convertible during the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. David Richard, USA TODAY Sports Former Cleveland Browns running back and NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown celebrates during the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. David Richard, USA TODAY Sports J.R. Smith celebrates during the NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. David Richard, USA TODAY Sports Fans react as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (not pictured) passes Quicken Loans Arena.

David Richard, USA TODAY Sports Kyrie Irving celebrates with fans during the NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. David Richard, USA TODAY Sports LeBron James poses with his iconic mural in downtown Cleveland. David Richard, USA TODAY Sports LeBron James celebrates during the NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. David Richard, USA TODAY Sports Cleveland Cavaliers fans cheer during the championship parade. Tony Dejak, AP Cleveland Cavaliers fans gather at the Quicken Loans Arena. Gene J. Puskar, AP Cleveland Cavaliers fans gather to watch the championship parade. Tom Withers, AP Cavs fan walks with a replica NBA trophy before the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship parade. Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports Cleveland Cavalier fans cross the street at the corner of East 9th Street and Euclid in downtown Cleveland. Gene J. Puskar, AP General view of the staging area before the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports LeBron James arrives at the Quicken Loans Arena with his children before a parade celebrating the Cavaliers' NBA Championship. Gene J. Puskar, AP Fan with a sign waits for the beginning of the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship parade. Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports Fans line the streets waiting for the beginning of the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship parade.

Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports Cleveland Cavalier fans hang a sign from a parking garage across from the Quicken Loans Arena. Gene J. Puskar, AP Cleveland Cavaliers fans take a selfie in front of a mural of Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James outside the Quicken Loans Arena. Gene J. Puskar, AP Cleveland Cavalier fans gather at the corner of East 9th Street and Euclid in downtown Cleveland. Gene J. Puskar, AP Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: Replay LeBron James - London 2012 Olympics - The New York Times Diana Taurasi United States Say what you will about LeBron James, his infamous decision and his propensity to polarize. Plenty have. As an Olympian, though, James has been a model citizen and a key component of USA Basketball’s resurgence — the anti-LeBron James, if you will, at least according to perception. In his book “The Gold Standard,” Coach Mike Krzyzewski described James as the kind of player whose otherworldly talents any coach would salivate over. Krzyzewski even recalled one scene in which three wounded veterans addressed his Olympic team in July 2006.

“The normally boisterous LeBron James was moved to a serious and respectful silence,” Krzyzewski wrote. The LeBron James who claimed he was an easy scapegoat for all that is wrong with professional athletes and modern sports — “Blame it on LeBron,” he told reporters — has not surfaced on the Olympic team. Not yet, anyway. James went through the lowest of lows with USA Basketball. He played for the team that slinked home with the bronze medal after the 2004 Olympics in Athens. “Played” is a relative term in that case. James was 19 then and had completed all of one N.B.A. season, and he spent most of that Olympics on the bench, averaging 5 points. In came the executive Jerry Colangelo, who hired Krzyzewski, and both required a three-year commitment, portions of consecutive summers, from the players. They asked an N.B.A. all-star team to embrace what Allen Iverson did not: practice. James, like any basketball fan, had seen the United States lose to Argentina and Greece and Puerto Rico. He saw the way other international teams improved, the way the competition exponentially increased.

By all accounts, he bought in, even guaranteed a gold medal performance in Beijing in 2008: a not-so-dramatic declaration upon which James and USA Basketball delivered. Blessed with a rare skill set, tall and thick, mobile and athletic, James is well suited for international play, with the wide key and emphasis on spacing and ball movement. In Olympic qualifying before the 2008 Games, he led the United States in assists and shot 76 percent from the field. James skipped college and turned professional in 2003. He led his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers to the N.B.A. finals. He not only left to join his fellow Olympians Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to play for the Miami Heat, but he did so in an ill-fated television special titled “The Decision.” James was the youngest player to score 10,000 career points in the N.B.A. The United States has won 13 of the previous 16 Olympic gold medals in basketball. James has not predicted another one in London. Not yet, anyway.

-- GREG BISHOP Read More By GREG BISHOP August 12, 2012 The United States outlasted Spain, 107-100, for its second straight gold medal, with 30 points from Kevin Durant and late heroics from LeBron James in an unexpectedly close game. Day 15: Friday, August 10 By ROB MAHONEY August 10, 2012 A look at the United States and Argentina men’s basketball teams as they enter their semifinal at the Olympic tournament. Day 14: Thursday, August 9 By JIM CAVAN August 9, 2012 If Olympic history is any guide, Carmelo Anthony could be poised for a career-defining season in the N.B.A. in which he demonstrates his true worth to the Knicks. Day 8: Friday, August 3 By GREG BISHOP August 2, 2012 The United States men’s basketball team is winning without James taking many shots. It throttled Nigeria, 156-73, and James did not play in the second half.

Day 7: Thursday, August 2 By ROB MAHONEY August 2, 2012 An instinctive scorer, Russell Westbrook has yet to carve out a distinctive role on the United States men’s basketball team, perhaps in large part because of the way Coach Mike Krzyzewski has employed him. Day 4: Monday, July 30 Basketball By GREG BISHOP July 29, 2012 Members of the United States men’s basketball team have taken to the photo-sharing service Instagram in a big, not always flattering, way. Day 3: Sunday, July 29 By GREG BISHOP July 30, 2012 After a slow start, LeBron James and Team USA trampled France in their first game at the London Games. Day 2: Saturday, July 28 By GREG BISHOP July 27, 2012 As the United States basketball team climbed from bronze medal disappointment in 2004 to heavy favorite at these Olympics, LeBron James and Mike Krzyzewski went from relative strangers to trusted confidants.

Day 1: Friday, July 27 By ROB MAHONEY July 27, 2012 Clumsy play in the pre-Olympic exhibitions aside, the American men's basketball team will learn to become a dominant team. Thursday, July 26 LeBron James has 2016 Olympics roster spot if he wants it, Team USA director Jerry Colangelo says comment LAS VEGAS -- LeBron James knows he has a spot on the 2016 U.S. Olympic basketball team if he wants it, according to USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo. In an interview Tuesday with ESPN, Colangelo said he is comfortable with the widespread expectation that James is unlikely to make a firm decision about his participation in next summer's Olympics in Brazil until after the upcoming NBA season. "He will be in town during the course of this week‎," Colangelo said. "He won't be participating in any practices to the best of my know‎ledge, but ... he knows he has a [roster] spot.

"If he wants to perform -- and I believe deep down inside he does -- then I would expect that he will be playing for us next summer." Mike Krzyzewski has won two gold medals as head coach of U.S. men's Olympic basketball team. AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File James was not at a team meeting Monday night in advance of Tuesday's first on-court workout, but he will satisfy Colangelo's eligibility requirements for the 2016 Olympic squad as long as he makes an appearance in Las Vegas during USA Basketball's three-day minicamp on the campus of UNLV. Colangelo has made attendance compulsory in Las Vegas this week for any player wishing to be considered for the 2016 Olympic team, but ‎the two days of scheduled workouts Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday night's intrasquad scrimmage will all be non-contact. James is one of three players, along with Carmelo Anthony and David Robinson , to represent the United States in three different Olympic tournaments.

Along with Anthony -- who, as ESPN first reported, plans to practice later Tuesday in his formal return from midseason knee surgery -- James thus has an opportunity be a record-setter if he chooses to play on the 12-man squad bound for Rio de Janeiro next August. Basketball Triple Crown: NBA, NCAA Olympic Titles - ThePostGame.com Post Email If the U.S. wins men's basketball in Rio, Kyrie Irving will join an elite fraternity of players to have won both an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal. But no matter how many more titles Irving racks up, he won't ever reach a certain Mount Rushmore of basketball achievement: Winning championships in the NCAA, NBA and Olympics. Without an NCAA title, Irving -- like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant -- can never crack this list of seven. Even with a gold in Rio, no one on the U.S. team will be able to complete the trifecta this summer. Here are those who did it: Basketball's Exclusive Triple Crown Club Clyde Lovellette You could say 1952 was a good year for Clyde Lovellette.

He led his Kansas Jayhawks to the NCAA championship and grabbed the tourney’s Most Outstanding Player Award by scoring a record 141 points in the tournament. That summer, Lovellette was the leading scorer for the U.S. Olympic team that won gold by defeating the Soviet Union 36-25 in the finals. Clyde Lovellette Two years later, Lovellette averaged 8.2 points and 5.8 rebounds for George Mikan's Minneapolis Lakers that defeated the Syracuse Nationals in the 1954 NBA Finals. Bill Russell Russell dominated college basketball with his ferocious defense and rebounding ability, averaging 20.7 points and 20.3 rebounds during his career at San Francisco. Alongside teammate K.C. Jones and coach Phil Woolpert, Russell won NCAA titles in 1955 and 1956. In the summer of 1956, Russell was captain of the U.S. Olympic team in Australia that decimated its opponents by an average of 53.5 points per game. Bill Russell The Celtics took Russell in the 1956 NBA Draft.

He averaged 14.7 points and a league-high 19.6 rebounds as a rookie, leading Boston, which also featured future Hall of Famers Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn and Bill Sharman to the 1957 NBA title. K.C. Jones Jones followed the same path as Russell as they were teammates at USF, at the Olympics and with the Celtics. K.C. Jones Bonus fact: Clyde Lovellette (the first player on this Mount Rushmore of basketball) played alongside fellow fraternity brothers Russell and Jones on the Celtics from 1962-1964 and won two championships with Boston. Jerry Lucas Lucas endured a particularly painful pledging process before ultimately being accepted as the fourth member of this fraternity. In 1960 Lucas led Ohio State to the NCAA title and led the U.S. Olympic team that won gold in Rome with a scoring average of 16.8 points. Jerry Lucas But an NBA championship was a bit more elusive for Lucas. After spending six seasons playing for the Cincinnati Royals and two seasons for the San Francisco Warriors, Lucas, although statistically successful, remained ringless.

It wasn't until his ninth season in the league, playing for the New York Knicks in 1973, that Lucas won an NBA title. Quinn Buckner Buckner is the feel-good addition to this group. He may not have had the pure talent of the other players on the list, but he was a solid defender and a tremendous leader. Buckner was a four-year starter and a three-year captain on Bob Knight's legendary Indiana teams that went undefeated during the 1974-75 and 1975-76 regular seasons and won the NCAA title in 1976. Quinn Buckner That summer, Buckner averaged a 7-3-3 for the U.S. team that beat Yugoslavia in the finals to win the gold medal. The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Buckner in the first round in 1976, but it wasn't until Buckner was traded to the Celtics that he was able to win an NBA title as part of Larry Bird's 1984 championship team. Michael Jordan Jordan is the only member of this group to win multiple Olympic gold medals.

Jordan won his first gold as a college player in 1984 in Los Angeles and was the U.S.'s leading scorer. Jordan won his second gold as a member of the 1992 Dream Team. Michael Jordan As a freshman at North Carolina, Jordan made the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA title against a Georgetown team that starred rival Patrick Ewing. The Bulls drafted Jordan in 1984 with the third overall pick, but it took Jordan seven seasons before he was able to capture his first NBA title. Magic Johnson Johnson won his first and only NCAA title in 1979 as Michigan State beat Larry Bird and Indiana State in the highest rated college basketball game ever. Johnson was drafted No. 1 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers that year, and alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he helped the Lakers achieve a 60-22 record and an NBA Finals victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Magic Johnson Johnson won Finals MVP and remains the only rookie ever to win the award. Johnson won four more NBA championships before retiring in 1991 after discovering that he was HIV-positive.

But Johnson returned to be captain of the 1992 Olympic Dream Team that won the gold medal in Spain. Season of LeBron ends with Olympic gold medal Season of LeBron ends with Olympic gold medal Adrian Wojnarowski (AP) More LONDON – Before they ever finalized a roster to chase a gold medal in Beijing, USA Basketball officials delivered an unmistakable ultimatum to LeBron James: Unless you grow up, treat people with respect, and commit to taking this seriously, we'll leave you home for the 2008 Olympic Games. Jerry Colangelo and Mike Krzyzewski wanted a culture of commitment and had come to believe that James' momentous talent couldn't overcome his impulses to instigate and infuriate everyone. Perhaps Nike would've never let it happen, but James wisely decided against testing the limits of people's patience after his intolerable act in the 2004 Olympic and '06 world championships. Ultimately, James heeded the warnings, became a better teammate, blossomed into a fully dominant force and played marvelously in the 2008 Olympics.

When the gold-medal game grew tightest in Beijing, James still showed a measure of reluctance, leaving Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade to deliver the biggest plays in the final minutes. And finally, full bloom for LeBron James on Sunday. Finally, the full realization of his prodigious talent and intelligence, the manifestation of the superstar completely controlling a collection of superstars, reaching higher and higher to his global apex. This was LeBron James' game and LeBron James' Games. "LeBron James is a different player and a different person than he was in '06," Colangelo said in a private moment after the United States' 107-100 gold medal victory. "And I say that with exclamation marks. He's matured incredibly as a person, player and leader." So here comes LeBron James with his gold-medal moment within these Olympics – within a basketball year that belong to James, the way it hasn't belonged to a player since Michael Jordan in 1992 – leaving the bench with four fouls in the fourth quarter, with Spain closed within six points.

James grabbed the ball at the top of the circle, pushed past Spain's defenders, past the free-throw line and leaped into the air, holding that ball and the sport higher and higher until it was just James and a thunderous dunk to redeclare the gulf between him and everyone else. [ Related: Team USA takes gold-medal party to Instagram ] Soon, James was isolated again, bringing poor, perplexed Marc Gasol all the way back out to the 3-point line and delivering a swish over the 7-footer. Soon, James had pushed the United States out of harm's way, out of jeopardy with his 19 points and seven rebounds and four assists. It felt inevitable, because it probably was inevitable. James controlled these Olympics on a yo-yo, delivering the first triple-double by an American in the history of the Olympics. Kevin Durant broke the American Olympic scoring record with 156 points, but James could've decided that he wanted the record and gotten it for himself. He controlled these Olympic Games the way he controlled the NBA Finals: always the proper blend of pass and score, defend and rebound. He's forever dominant now. "He's matured incredibly ... ," Colangelo told Yahoo! Sports.

"He never had someone to emulate in his life, and Coach K fit into a great role. He did the rest himself. He's grown so much. So much." Only James knows how much of a mentoring role Krzyzewski played, because there are plenty of people – from Pat Riley to Erik Spoelstra to Dwyane Wade – who nurtured growth within him. In the end, James deserves the credit. James was on his own journey, and there's no seminal figure deserving of delivering some great epiphany to James. He lived with the consequences and repercussions of his immaturity as perhaps no athlete before him. The jagged edges of a hellacious two years in the post-Decision era probably had the greatest influence of all. Of Krzyzewski, James said, "We've had ups and downs, but thankfully there's been more ups." View photos

Question: LeBron James has won how many Olympic medals in basketball?
Answer: 3