Colangelo reiterates that LeBron has a spot on 2016 Olympic roster if he wants it

By foxsports
Published

Almost two weeks ago, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said that as far as he's concerned, LeBron James has a spot on the roster for the 2016 Olympics in Rio if he wants it.

"He is one of the greatest players of all time," Colangelo said. "If he wants to be on the team, how is he not going to be on the team? It’s really not my call. It’s really his call. If that is still important to him and what he wants to do, I truly believe that’s what he wants, then he will be there."

Now that the members of Team USA have assembled in Las Vegas for this week's mini-camp, Colangelo reiterated his stance after being asked a similar round of questions by ESPN's Marc Stein.

"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."

We're not so sure about that last part.

As we mentioned the last time Colangelo said this, LeBron already has a ton of miles on his body. It's very possible that he'll make an incredible sixth straight Finals appearance next year, and after already winning two gold medals with Team USA in the past, he may choose his NBA legacy over adding to his international one by skipping Rio in favor of some much-needed rest. 

(h/t: ESPN)