Recent reports from multiple U.S. media outlets suggest a developing expectation within the basketball community: LeBron James and Stephen Curry are unlikely to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The news has drawn significant attention, partly because the 2028 Games will take place on American soil, and partly because this event could have been one final opportunity for both stars to compete on the international stage. However, several indicators point to the opposite outcome.
LeBron James will be around 43 years old in 2028, an age at which most professional basketball players have long retired or can no longer maintain elite-level performance. Although LeBron is known for having one of the most advanced physical maintenance regimens in sports, competing in another Olympic tournament would require major physical sacrifice, intensive preparation, and risk of injury. Even if LeBron continues playing in the NBA a few more years, the likelihood of him appearing on the 2028 Team USA roster remains extremely small. Age, motivation, and his desire to prioritize family commitments all contribute to the expectation that his international career is effectively near its end.
Stephen Curry, although younger than LeBron, will also be nearing 40 by the time the 2028 Olympics begin. Curry only made his Olympic debut in 2024, and he previously mentioned that participating was a personal milestone he wanted to accomplish. That appearance may have already fulfilled his long-standing international ambition, making another Olympic run unlikely. Curry’s playing style, which relies heavily on constant movement, off-ball activity, and high-end conditioning, could be difficult to maintain at the same level as he reaches 40.
Another important factor is Team USA’s generational shift. The national program is entering a clear transition period, with rising stars such as Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Paolo Banchero, and others expected to define the next era. The 2028 Olympics are projected to showcase a younger, more explosive roster, one built around speed, athleticism, and long-term potential. The rest of the world is also rapidly improving, meaning Team USA will likely emphasize youth and physical advantages to maintain its dominance.
Motivation is also a crucial consideration. After two decades of high-intensity professional basketball, both LeBron and Curry have broader priorities beyond international competition. Reports suggest that both players are increasingly focused on family life, business ventures, and preparing for post-basketball careers. Taking on another Olympic commitment would require significant time, travel, and preparation that may no longer align with their personal or professional goals.
While neither LeBron nor Curry has issued an official statement confirming or denying their participation, analysts widely agree that their chances of joining the 2028 Olympic roster are very slim. This has led to a sense of disappointment among fans, as the idea of LeBron and Curry sharing the Olympic stage one final time — especially in Los Angeles — would have been a historic moment for American basketball. Still, every era eventually reaches its conclusion, and the 2028 Games may symbolize the definitive passing of the torch to the next generation of American stars.
The possible absence of these two icons also highlights the evolution of Team USA’s identity. Rather than relying on established legends, the program is preparing to build around emerging talent capable of carrying the national team for the next decade. It is a natural progression, one that reflects not only the aging of veteran superstars but also the constant influx of elite young players reshaping the NBA landscape.
Whether or not LeBron James and Stephen Curry officially step away from Olympic competition, the outlook for 2028 suggests that Team USA will enter a new chapter. The upcoming generation will be responsible for upholding the legacy created by those who came before them, and the 2028 Olympics may become the moment that transition becomes fully realized.
