LeBron James says it’s going to be a “Space Jam” summer instead of one spent with Team USA at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The NBA star told reporters after his Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs on Thursday that he will rest his aging body — particularly his ankle — instead of vying for Olympic gold.
“Nah, I think I’m gonna play for the Tune Squad this summer instead of the Olympics,” James said of the Hollywood movie when asked about representing the U.S. one more time.
James, now 36 years old, earned a bronze medal in 2004, followed by gold medals in 2008 and 2012. He didn’t play in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
“Didn’t have much success versus the Suns, so now I am gearing my attention toward the Goon Squad here in July, in mid-July,” he continued. So, I’m gonna let the ankle rest for about a month. … Hopefully [I’ll] see y’all at the match.”
“Space Jam: A New Legacy,” a follow-up to the 1996 installment made possible by NBA legend Michael Jordan, is scheduled for a July 21 release.
Team USA will begin its quest for Olympic glory when the games begin on July 23.
“Nah, I think I’m gonna play for the Tune Squad this summer instead of the Olympics.”
— ESPN (@espn) June 4, 2021
LeBron had jokes to end his presser 😂 pic.twitter.com/SR7H1fF5cN
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.