For the first summer since 2005, LeBron James will not be in the playoffs. Among his offseason plans, it looks like participating in the 2019 FIBA world cup is not in the cards. According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, the production and filming of Space Jam 2 come into conflict with the international basketball competition which takes place in China. He never intended on participating in the competition due to this reason.
Looking ahead to the summer of 2020, the Summer Olympics look to be more appealing for James. He skipped out on the 2016 Olympics, something he later went on to say he regrets. Per a 2016 interview with Rachel Nichols:
Every time I watch ’em I wish I was out there… I did not retire from Team USA. I just did not play this summer. So I still left the door open.
Having won gold in the Olympics twice, there is a possibility that LeBron rejoins Team USA next summer. When asked about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, LeBron stated that his status will depend on how he feels.
LeBron has since been shut down for the rest of the season due to a groin injury.
He will most likely not play a game until the fall, giving the 34-year-old forward time to recover.
