Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are just a few of the talents that LeBron James hopes to convince to join Team USA for the 2024 Olympics. However, First Take’s Stephen A. Smith’s reaction to Davis being included left him very reluctant.
Smith has grown increasingly dissatisfied with Davis’ fitness problems. He is not even interested in hearing about the possibility of him representing Team USA. Regardless of the big man’s overall talent that he could bring.
“I don’t want to hear nothing about no damn Anthony Davis representing Team USA. Wait a minute now, I need to make sure he is going to show up for Lakers games… I don’t want to see him in no damn international competition, because that might be an excuse for him to miss another 10-20 games.”
Stephen A. Smith
Team USA disappointed many this year by failing to bring home any medals. The team lost to Germany in the semifinals and Canada in the Bronze matchup. However, with names like James, Curry, Tatum, Durant, and others being rumored, there is real hope for a return to form with some of the best talent from the country.
Smith made fun of Noah Lyles when he first said that winning the NBA championship did not equate to winning the world championship. However, Team USA was ultimately eliminated because of what Smith described as a lack of cohesion. He asserted that evidence supported those who had argued that international competition was unique.
Lack of depth and experience were factors that hurt Team USA this year. LeBron will likely look to bring his Lakers teammate aboard. In contrast to Smith, most fans might be content with the addition.
