MIAMI – LeBron James of the Miami Heat said Thursday he would “love to be a part” of the 2012 U.S. men’s basketball team at the London Olympics and help defend the gold medal the Americans won in the Beijing Games.

And if U.S. Coach Mike Krzyzewski wants him back, James said he’s just a phone call away.

“Coach K has my number. I have his number,” James said. “If he needs me, I’m there.”

The U.S. clinched a spot in the 2012 field by winning the world championship this summer, with that team led by Oklahoma City star Kevin Durant. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers said earlier this week that he’d also like to play on the 2012 team.

“You guys want me there, I am there and I’m ready to defend,” Bryant said Tuesday on Krzyzewski’s SIRIUS XM radio show. “And then when you guys need me to put some points on the board, I’ll do that, too.”

James’ teammates in Miami also would figure to be in the Olympic consideration mix. Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade were also part of the “Redeem Team” in Beijing, but Wade has said at least twice in the past few days that he has no timetable for making up his mind.

James, Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and Chris Paul also skipped the world tournament in Istanbul this summer, but Anthony and Paul already have said they want to be part of the mix in London.

If he plays in 2012, it would be James’ third Olympics.

“I would love to be a part of that team,” James said. “I think it’s an unbelievable thing to represent your country. If Coach K needs me to be a part of that team, I’m available. Hopefully I’m healthy enough to be a part of that team. But I’m always up for the Olympics and representing my country.”

HAWKS: Forward Marvin Williams has only a bone bruise on his right knee, tests revealed, and might miss only one more game.

A team spokesman said Williams is listed as day to day.

TRAIL BLAZERS: Center Fabricio Oberto abruptly retired because of a previously diagnosed cardiac condition that caused heart palpitations.

Oberto, in his sixth NBA year, was signed by Portland a day before the start of the season to help the Blazers while centers Joel Przybilla and Greg Oden heal from knee surgeries.

THURSDAY’S GAME

KNICKS 120, BULLS 112: Tony Douglas scored a career-high 30 points, and New York made 16 of 24 3-point attempts at Chicago.

Douglas made 5 of 9 3-pointers.

Danilo Gallinari hit four 3s without a miss and finished with 24 points, all but three in the first half as the Knicks took a 21-point lead in going up 70-52 at halftime.

Raymond Felton was 4 of 6 from long range, and finished with 20 points and 10 assists for the Knicks.

Derrick Rose had 24 points and 14 assists for the Bulls.

 

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