Photo: Peter Baba

LeBron James has repeatedly said he does not plan to play in the 2028 Olympics, but ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes Team USA would gladly welcome him back if he changes his mind.

Speaking on “The Hoop Collective,” Windhorst made it clear that the decision rests entirely with James.

“If LeBron wants to play, he’ll get a roster spot,” the analyst said.

Although James has said he would rather watch the Los Angeles Games from Cabo, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon suggested the four-time NBA champion could reconsider if he completes the two-year contract he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“He’s gonna have his career end with the 2027-28 season, why not go out with the fifth Olympics?” MacMahon said. “He’s got a place in LA to stay. He doesn’t even have to stay in a hotel.”

James has represented Team USA at four Olympic Games, winning gold medals in 2008, 2012 and 2024 after earning bronze in 2004.

If he competed in Los Angeles, he would be 43 years old and become the oldest Olympic basketball player in history.

Team USA saves LeBron James an Olympic seat for one final ride https://t.co/eNcKA6SV0O pic.twitter.com/R2XFApco33