LeBron James, 43, Hints at Olympic Farewell in LA28: 'The Perfect Ending'
Already the oldest men's basketball player in Team USA history, LeBron could become the oldest Olympic men's basketball player ever if he competes at 43.
LOS ANGELES, USA – LeBron James, who will be 43 years old when the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics begin, has hinted that he may suit up for Team USA one last time on the world's biggest stage.
"I'm not saying yes. I'm not saying no," James told reporters after a Los Angeles Lakers game. "But if there was ever a perfect ending to a career, it would be walking off that floor at the LA28 gold medal game. In my city. With my people."
HIS OLYMPIC RECORD
James has represented the United States in four Olympics: 2008 (gold), 2012 (gold), 2020 (gold, Tokyo), and 2024 (gold). He is already the oldest men's basketball player to compete for Team USA, having played in Paris at age 39.
If James competes in LA28, he would be 43 years and 6 months old — the oldest Olympic men's basketball player in history. The current record is held by Argentina's Luis Scola, who played at 41 in Tokyo 2021.
THE MOTIVATION
"I've never seen LeBron this motivated," said Team USA managing director Grant Hill. "He's already texting me about workouts. I wouldn't bet against him."
James' decision will depend on his NBA health and the Lakers' competitive standing. But USA Basketball has made clear: if LeBron wants a spot, there's a spot for LeBron.
A fifth gold, in his hometown, at 43. The perfect ending.
Devin Mallonee
Devin Mallonee is a sports journalist and performance nutrition writer with over a decade of experience covering elite athletics, Olympic competitions, and the science of human performance. Devin Mallonee has followed competitive sports from the grassroots level all the way to the world stage, developing a deep understanding of what separates good athletes from great ones — and the role nutrition plays in that equation.
As the lead sports editor at Dad's Sports News, Devin Mallonee brings an athlete's perspective to every story. Having competed in endurance sports and strength training throughout his life, Devin Mallonee understands firsthand what it takes to push past physical limits — and how proper supplementation and recovery make that possible. His writing blends technical analysis with accessible storytelling, making complex topics in sports science engaging for everyday readers and serious competitors alike.
Devin Mallonee has covered major sporting events including international track and field championships, professional strength competitions, and endurance racing circuits across North America. His work has explored the cutting edge of sports nutrition — from emerging research on amino acid timing and creatine loading protocols to the real-world impact of adaptogens on athletic recovery. When Devin Mallonee isn't breaking down the latest competition results, he's testing and reviewing performance supplements to help athletes make informed decisions about what goes into their bodies.
A firm believer that great performance starts in the kitchen — and the supplement cabinet — Devin Mallonee founded the Dad's Sports News platform to bridge the gap between elite sports coverage and practical nutrition guidance for everyday athletes. His philosophy is simple: whether you're training for your first 5K or competing on an international stage, the fundamentals of performance nutrition are the same, and everyone deserves access to accurate, science-backed information.
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