LeBron James free agency decision live updates: Where will he play? Rumors and latest news

While we wait for LeBron James to choose his next NBA team, let’s discuss his international career playing for Team USA. The World Cup is fresh in mind, and both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo provide interesting comparisons for James.

Messi just singlehandedly carried Argentina to a runners-up finish in the tournament at the age of 39. When he and his team-mates won the 2022 World Cup when he was 35, no one expected him to be playing at such a high level four years later. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has been a cautionary tale about hanging on too long. His declining performances were an impediment to Portugal’s chances four years ago at the age of 37, and even more so this time around at 41.

James has played in the Olympics four times: 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2024. He ranks first all-time in assists for Team USA at the Games, and second in points, rebounds, steals and games played. At Paris in 2024, he also became the first men’s basketball player to be a flag bearer for Team USA.

All signs point to James playing the 2026-27 NBA season (as opposed to retiring). If that’s the case, it would only take one more season to reach the summer of 2028 and a home Olympics in Los Angeles. The allure of hanging on for one last gold medal would be strong. Would you bet against him playing at a high enough level to make the team?