LeBron Still the Straw That Stirs the Drink for Olympics-Bound USA Basketball Team

LeBron Still the Straw That Stirs the Drink for Olympics-Bound USA Basketball Team
United States forward LeBron James brings the ball up during an exhibition game against Canada in Las Vegas on July 10, 2024. Steve Marcus/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:
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LAS VEGAS—This is how the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team took the floor for warmups before an exhibition game in Abu Dhabi: Stephen Curry opened with a layup, followed by ones from Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, and Derrick White, and then a short jumper from Devin Booker.

All were met with some cheers. And then LeBron James got the ball in his hands. The crowd got louder immediately, the volume rising until his dunk was met with the loudest roar the arena could muster.