‘Dream Team’ returns: LeBron, Durant and Curry named for Team USA’s Olympics roster

LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant headline the 12-man Team USA roster for the Olympics in Paris this summer.

The American men will compete for their fifth straight – and 17th overall – Olympic gold medal behind an All-Star cast that also includes 2022-23 NBA MVP Joel Embiid, Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, Suns guard Devin Booker and Lakers centre Anthony Davis.

Leonard was the final addition to the roster to be identified.

James is gunning for a third gold medal. He first appeared in the Olympics in 2004 and his 20-year run matches the two decades with the women's team by Diana Taurasi, who is again playing for the American squad in 2024.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr continues as Team USA head coach, a role he accepted in December 2021. The team has a 34-4 record in Olympics competition since 2004.

Embiid, a native of Cameroon, was eligible to play for the host country, but informed Team USA managing director Grant Hill in October that he would play on the American squad instead of Team France.

“I'm grateful to these 12 men for their commitment to represent USA Basketball,” Hill said. “The United States is home to some of the best basketball players in the world and I appreciate the vast interest in being part of this roster. These decisions weren't easy, but it was a pleasure to go through the process and reach this outcome.”

Durant was a 2010 World Cup gold medallist and is the USA’s all-time Olympic statistical leader in total points (435), scoring average (19.8 points per game), field goals (146), 3-point field goals (74) and free throws (69). He ranks third in rebounds (118) and blocks (16) and fourth in games played (24) and assists (71).

James has scored 273 points (third all-time among Americans) in the Olympics to date. This would be his fourth Olympics and first since 2012. He won gold in 2008 and 2012 and made his Olympics debut in 2004 (bronze).

Curry makes his Olympics debut but is a Team USA veteran as a two-time World Cup champion (2010, 2014).

As part of Group C, the American men will face Serbia on July 28th, South Sudan on July 31st and the winner of the Olympic qualifying tournament (OQT) in Puerto Rico on August 3rd in the first round of the Olympic tournament. The 5-on-5 Olympic basketball group phase will take place in Lille, France, before the tournament moves to Paris for knockout and medal rounds.

Team USA:

LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors), Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics), Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers).