USA - King James mulls over summer options
CLEVELAND (FIBA Americas Championship) - LeBron James is undecided if he will represent the United States at the FIBA Americas Championship this year in Las Vegas as the team tries to qualify for the Olympics. The 22-year-old is considering taking a
CLEVELAND (FIBA Americas Championship) - LeBron James is undecided if he will represent the United States at the FIBA Americas Championship this year in Las Vegas as the team tries to qualify for the Olympics.
The 22-year-old is considering taking a break after a hectic schedule over the past two seasons which saw him help the Cleveland Cavaliers reach the second round of the 2006 NBA play-offs before helping the United States capture a bronze medal at the FIBA World Championship in Japan.
A two-time All Star, James is third in the league in minutes per game (40.9) and wants a break, but the lure of Las Vegas is also tempting.
He told the Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Anyone needs time off.
"Being in this country is more persuasive. Playing in Vegas would be a big reason why I would play, but I still have to think about getting some rest."
James` absence would be a blow to Team USA, who already look set to be without Dwyane Wade after the Miami Heat star suffered a dislocated shoulder.
That would leave Carmelo Anthony as America's only captain for the tournament.
The 10-team FIBA Americas Championship begins on August 22.
Alistair Mason
FIBA