Durant Eyes 2028 LA Olympics
NBA superstar Kevin Durant has declared his intention to play for Team USA at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while also expressing frustration with critics of U.S. basketball. The announcement demonstrates Durant's enduring commitment to international competition and addresses ongoing challenges facing American basketball on the global stage.
- If he plays and wins a medal in 2028, Kevin Durant will further cement his legacy as the most decorated U.S. men's Olympic basketball player in history. He currently holds four Olympic gold medals, won in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024. - At 39 years old during the Los Angeles games, Durant would be among the oldest players to ever represent Team USA in the Olympics. For comparison, LeBron James was 39 during the 2024 Paris Olympics. - Durant is already the all-time leading scorer in U.S. men's Olympic basketball history, having surpassed Carmelo Anthony's record during the Tokyo 2020 Games. He has scored 518 points across his four Olympic appearances. - A fifth Olympic appearance would give Durant the opportunity to pass Carmelo Anthony for the most games played for Team USA at the Olympics; he needs four more appearances to surpass Anthony's record of 31 games. - Durant has stated he does not want a spot on the 2028 team based on seniority alone and wants to prove he can still contribute at a high level. - His desire to play is partly fueled by what he perceives as racially-tinged criticism of American basketball, particularly the idea that the "European style" of play is superior. - While Durant has declared his intent, some of his long-time Olympic teammates like LeBron James and Stephen Curry have indicated that the 2024 Paris Olympics would be their last. - The selection for the 2028 team will be made by USA Basketball's managing director, Grant Hill, who will have to consider a new generation of American players alongside seasoned veterans like Durant.
