LeBron James’ long-time rival Paul Pierce expects the veteran to play in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Pierce feels the Games will be the swansong Olympics for the 38-year-old (who will be 39 in December) and he will want to take part for Team USA. James won the Olympics gold medal with the national team in 2008 after America bounced back following their bronze medal performance in 2004.

James has not played in the last two Olympics at Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo and last played in the London Olympics in 2012 when the USA once again won the Gold medal.

Paul Pierce said on KG Certified’s Ticket & The Truth podcast on Showtime Basketball, “I really think LeBron is going to go,” Pierce said. “I think LeBron will be there. This will be his final Olympics … I think he’ll go to the Olympics.”

Meanwhile, NBA analyst Marc J. Spears said back in July 2013 that James is not keen on playing in the Olympics because of his hectic schedule.

“LeBron is going to be three years older during the next Olympics,” the source told Spears. “He will have two older boys. He has a lot to endure with his family. He played in three Olympics. Everyone that knows LeBron knows it’s always based on a decision at that moment. But if the moment was today, the answer would be no.”

Meanwhile, LeBron James averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists in 55 games in 2022-23. He was selected to play in his nineteenth All-Star games.

The upcoming NBA season will be the 21st of James’ career. It has been reported that the Lakers’ home opener is against the Phoenix Suns on October 26.

James will also not play for Team USA in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup, which will take place in the Philippines.