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LeBron James Eyes Return To Olympics In 2016

LeBron James would be interested in a return to Team USA for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

By Kris Willis
July 16, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; United States guard LeBron James (6) holds the ball against Brazil in the second half at Verizon Center. Team USA won 80-69. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE
July 16, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; United States guard LeBron James (6) holds the ball against Brazil in the second half at Verizon Center. Team USA won 80-69. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

After hesitating at first, LeBron James now indicates that if he is healthy and the rules allow it, he would be interested in returning to Team USA for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. James will be 31 years old but the reigning NBA MVP says that he would "love the opportunity" to represent his country again.

The news is huge for USA Basketball, which is much more likely to be successful at convincing other top stars to join the team if the game's best player is committed. James just finished up the most successful year of his career, combining an MVP season with a NBA Championship and a gold medal at the London Olympics.

Other stars on the 2012 team like Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams are uncommitted thus far. Kobe Bryant said following the 2012 Games that he would be retiring from international competition.

For more on LeBron James and the Miami Heat check out Hot Hot Hoops and SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA page.

Photographs by cstreet.us, thelastminute, turtlemom nancy , fesek, kthypryn, justinwright, sue_elias, pointnshoot, and scrapstothefuture used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.