LeBron skips out on Team USA to 'rest'
LeBron James joins the long list of marquee NBA players who will pass up on playing in the 2016 Summer Olympics for Team USA.
Rich Paul informed USA basketball team manager Jerry Colangelo that James would not be heading to Rio de Janiero this summer. James also contacted Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski earlier in the week.
Having made the Finals in six straight seasons, James needs the full offseason to recover. Despite being just 31, James ranks in the top 10 among active players in total minutes played.
"I could use the rest," James told Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.
Vardon adds that external factors - such as the Zika virus or the political unrest in Brazil - do not concern James. The decision was strictly made on the basis of lessening his workload as he prepares to defend his championship next season.
Given that James will be 35 at the time of the 2020 Olympics, his international career has likely come to an end.
James represented the United States at the Olympic Games in 2004, 2008, and 2012. He secured bronze, then back-to-back gold medals as part of the Redeem Team. He also played in the 2006 FIBA World Championships.