AKRON, Ohio — LeBron James will not chase gold this summer in the Rio Olympics.

Agent Rich Paul told The Associated Press on Thursday night that James informed USA Basketball that he has withdrawn from consideration.

James won gold medals in the last two Olympics. He led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA title this week, his sixth straight appearance in the finals.

The 31-year-old James wanted to wait until after the season until making a decision about Rio, which would have been his fourth Olympics. He’s the latest big name to drop from the U.S. squad, following two-time MVP Stephen Curry, James Harden and Chris Paul.

Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, however, has agreed to join the team and chase a fourth Olympic medal, a person with knowledge of the details said Thursday, while Toronto teammates Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan will also play for the U.S.

The Americans have solidified 10 of their 12 roster spots, the person told the AP, speaking on condition of anonymity because the roster discussions were to remain private. The roster is to be selected Monday.

Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant, Indiana’s Paul George, Golden State’s Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins, Chicago’s Jimmy Butler and the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan are also committed to play for the two-time defending champions in Rio de Janeiro.


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