• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 8, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Passing the Torch: The Olympics Will Reveal the Next Face of Basketball

  • LeBron James has been the face of basketball for two decades, but he is on his last legs.
  • The Olympics are littered with international stars who could be next in line.
Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James (above) is back with Team USA for the first time since the London Games in 2012. He had handed off his duties as the country’s lead dog to the likes of Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant.

While this is likely the 39-year-old’s swan song with Team USA, he returns at a time when the country’s supremacy in men’s basketball is at its most precarious. The U.S. has won Olympic gold in men’s basketball in all but one year since professionals were allowed to play in 1992.

Team USA trotted out the Dream Team that year—but that crew faced fewer than 10 NBA players en route to the gold. This year, outside of Team USA, there are 39 current NBA players on Olympic rosters and several more who have some form of NBA experience. The wellspring of talent across the globe is a reason why the U.S. has failed to medal in the last two FIBA World Cups.

The U.S. has always valued the Olympics over FIBA, and this year’s team includes the best talent the country has to offer. The team should still win—FanDuel Sportsbook gives them -400 odds to take gold—and at the center of it all would be James, the country’s flag bearer and the face of basketball for the last two decades.

The King’s Impact

James’s reign atop the basketball world ushered in the era of player empowerment. His decision to move from the Cavaliers to Heat in 2010 inspired more players to make decisions they felt were best for them rather than their employers. His legacy off the court grew even further, establishing an empire at Nike while also helping agent Rich Paul build up Klutch Sports, one of the sports world’s most influential agencies. 

A gold medal would be a fitting cap to James’s career, but win or lose, the Games could turn into a passing of the torch to the next face of the sport. And in a generation moving more and more toward international stars, the impact of the next torch-bearer could simply be as the first non-American face.

The face of basketball has always been an American—from Bill Russell, to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, to Michael Jordan, to Kobe Bryant, and now, to James—in large part because of the country’s dominance. But while Team USA has a few young stars in its core, these Olympics are a showcase of the rest of the world.

More International Talent

Other countries are littered with NBA superstars like Serbia’s Nikola Jokić, perhaps the best player in the league right now. It’s worth noting that the United States coasted to a win over Serbia 110-84 Sunday, as Kevin Durant led the way in scoring without missing a shot in the first half. James was excellent as well, contributing 21 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.

Greece boasts Giannis Antetokounmpo and Canada is led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Luka Doncic is one of the world’s best players, though Slovenia didn’t qualify for the Paris Olympics. As of now, none of them have made a compelling case to overthrow James. Jokić has won three of the last four NBA MVP awards, but he has not been embraced as the “guy” in basketball, in part because his personality does not lend itself to the attention. Antetokounmpo has the personality but has lacked the sustained dominance. 

However, perhaps the prime candidate to take The King’s crown, and a fitting one given the Olympics’ setting, is French phenom Victor Wembanyama. France has the third-best odds to win gold, behind the U.S. and Canada, and an upset of the U.S. or strong performance from the 19-year-old in a championship game could vault him straight to the top of the food chain.

Wembanyama taking over for James atop the basketball world at this point in the legend’s career would mirror James’s arrival in the NBA in 2003, the season following the retirement of Jordan. The Frenchman has the moxie, the potential for dominance, and the youth to take over for James once he decides to hang it up.

So while Team USA looks to keep Olympic gold from falling into another country’s hands, it should also be a test to see the reception of the superstars who line up across from them, and whether the basketball world is ready for an international player to be its next torch-bearer.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

WNBA Struggling to Prevent Repeat Dildo Incidents

The league appears to have no answers to the copycats plaguing games.
NC State

NC State ‘Cardiac Pack’ Team Loses NCAA Suit for NIL Back Pay

The 1983 team was among college basketball’s greatest Cinderella stories. 
WNBA

Crypto Group Says It’s Behind WNBA Dildo Epidemic

The group backs a memecoin that launched last week.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

Ukrainian Tennis Star Blames Sports Bettors for Death Threats

Svitolina is currently ranked No. 13 in the world.
Jul 26, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons (11) at training camp at the River Ridge Fields
August 6, 2025

Micah Parsons Absence Could Stretch into Week 1, Jerry Jones Says

Parsons and Jones haven’t spoken since the defensive lineman requested a trade.
August 6, 2025

After Draft-Day Snub and Drama, Sanders to Start Preseason Opener

Multiple injuries mean Sanders gets the nod for the opening preseason game.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks injured guard Damian Lillard against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
August 4, 2025

Damian Lillard and All the NBA Players Taking College GM Roles

The All-Star was named general manager of Weber State men’s basketball Saturday.
August 2, 2025

Luka Dončić Signs 3-Year Lakers Extension On 1st Day Of Eligibility 

Dončić can opt out after two seasons and sign a record deal.
Leo Messi
exclusive
August 1, 2025

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Defends Messi Suspension

Messi was punished for skipping the MLS All-Star Game.
August 1, 2025

Micah Parsons Requests Trade From Cowboys As Contract Talks Stall

The defensive end has been seeking a new contract.