James to headline another US ‘Dream Team’ in Paris

The NBAs ’ all-time leading scorer LeBron James and reigning most valuable player Joel Embiid headline a star-studded US men’s basketball team for the Paris Olympics, USA Basketball has announced.

James, who has won two Olympic golds and a bronze but sat out the last two Games, will be joined by Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, Phoenix Suns three-time Olympic champion Kevin Durant and Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry.

“We know we have a collection of incredible talent for this summer. And a lot of guys are experienced,” USA Basketball men’s national team managing direct Grant Hill told reporters in New York on Wednesday.

“They know how difficult this is. We can’t just show up — we have to come, we have to play, we have to compete.”

Also named in the squad were Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics), Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).

All 12 members of the Paris “Dream Team” have been NBA All-Stars and it includes four NBA MVPs and six NBA champions.

Hill said that an overwhelming number of players wanted to be a part of the team and that James committed to competing in Paris not long after breaking the all-time scoring record.

“He deserves, because of all that he’s done and what he’s still doing, to be on this roster. And so we’re thrilled.”

The US will play in group C with Serbia, South Sudan and the winners of a qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico on August 3.