I'm really disappointed in Lebron

A ton of people would die for the chance to play for and win a Gold Medal. The United States has plenty of talented basketball players and could get it done

They made a committment and don't want to play though which is sad. I don't like that they think their little bit of time off is more important than helping the United States win a Gold Medal or World Championship. They're the best players in the world and should feel honored to take the opportunity to play.

I think it's right that they get excluded from the 2012 Olympics if they don't show for the 2010 FIBA World Championships. The players going to play in the World Championships are sacrificing their time for USA Basketball and working hard at a chance for another Gold Medal so they're the ones that deserve to play, not players who skip out because they want to do other things. I feel it's the wrong message to show that they're more important that they don't have to sacrifice the team other players would

It's disappointing to see that they don't really care about it. It's harder to win an NBA title as an American Basketball Player than a Gold Medal with Team USA but a Gold Medal is way more valuable

Injuries are excusable though, since healing the body is important

Considering that Wade/James are the star players for their respective franchises and therefore, have to put forth more effort each time they play on the court; it is understandable that they would want to take a break. In addition, free agency in itself seems like a time-consuming/stressful process...so after all that, I would not blame them at all for taking a break after this season ends for them both. Especially Lebron who will most likely advance further into the playoffs as a member of the Cavaliers team. Even if they aren't injured right now; they gotta prepare for next season and part of the preparation process consists of rest I presume.



The Olympics mean a lot to some athletes partaking in the festivities because it is a chance for them to represent their nation in an event where the whole world is watching. So, excluding them from playing in the Olympic and a chance to be a representative for their nation because they did not play for FIBA is unfair. They are human too and deserve breaks too homeskillet.

I think both should keep their priorities straight and play for Team USA

They are getting paid more than enough money too, and have to be there for their Team USA teammates I believe as well.

To me it's either they decide you're committed to playing for Team USA or you get a vacation and don't play in the 2012 Olympics.

It's just like Lebron James going to the Cleveland Cavaliers and telling them "I got more important things to do, I'm skipping training camp call me when the regular season starts" when his teammates are committed to working hard and being there

I just believe the players that sacrifice their time for the World Championships are the ones that deserve to be rewarded with getting to play in the 2012 Olympics. The message from USA Basketball Head Jerry Coangelo already is you risk not being able to play in 2012 if you don't decide to in 2010.

I believe it's the right message because it shows that he wants players that are committed and doing whatever it takes to work hard and put as much time in as they need to for 2012

the world is stepping up in basketball and that's because they have chemistry. By keeping a team together it builds chemistry and the US did a good job of that back in 2008. A reason why alot of teams with less talent than the US almost beat them is because they know how to play as a team.

Training camp is an obligation..he doesn't have a commitment to USA.

Playing for your NBA franchise = more important than some FIBA tournament I believe.

So resting is not an option; especially if they need it for a wide range of reasons?

Summer World Championship isn't Summer Olympics. Quite frankly I don't care now if a player the likes of Bron doesn't want to represent his country for another gold come 2012 I would be disappointed. But, right now in the summer of his Free Agency I'm with his decision. Colangelo is being a nimrod.

No, not really.
Its FIBA. Who cares.

Secondly, if their reason for not playing is because of their contract situations then they have every right to take care of their financial problems first.

If someone tells me to do something when I'm looking for a job....I would tell them to GTFO

They probably can win it w/o half of the good players, but its still sad when you hear that someone doesnt wanna go, its a very big honor to play for the National team.

Im still pissed at Rondo, he didnt wanna go too.

I don't watch it anyway.. so idc.

I also agree with what Jay said.

another thing... players have to thing about their future. There is such thing as playing too much basketball... it can take a toll on a players knee/knees... thats why Manu isn't playing this summer

I've been convinced

as long as he plays in the Olympics he's good. I actually don't care about the World Championships too much

if the USA wins a 2012 Gold Medal thats good enough

I don't care at all.

Durant, Melo, Kobe (who brought the USA it's gold medal), Howard...

No Wade and no LeBron? I just don't care.

FedEx the Gold medal because the US is taking it regardless if those two won't be on team USA.