LeBron James to skip Rio Olympics

The Cavaliers won 93-89.

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony has agreed to chase a fourth Olympic medal, a person with knowledge of the details said Thursday.

As well as the desire to take some time off after being named the National Basketball Association finals MVP, the fact that James already has two Olympics golds to his name is likely to have played a part in his decision.

James is sitting out the Finals in order to rest ahead of next season and waited until after this season wrapped so he could make a fully informed decision.

Carmelo Anthony is one of three US men’s basketball player to play in three Olympics. USA Basketball is expected to announce the roster next week.

The American side are already without Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, as well as James Harden and Chris Paul.

One player who hasn’t reached a decision is Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving.

Joining that group Thursday were Portland’s Damian Lillard, who wants to rehabilitate a plantar fascitis injury; Utah forward Gordon Hayward and San Antonio forward Kawhi Leonard.

“This was a very hard decision”. James, helped guide the USA to the Olympic title in the last two games – 2008 in Beijing and 2012 in London Olympics.

Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks has agreed to chase a fourth Olympic men’s basketball medal, and Toronto teammates Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan also will play for the USA, a person with knowledge of the details said Thursday.

Despite the “Zika” virus scare, the whole world will still pay attention to the respected countries participating in the games as well as the USA Basketball team which looks to win their third straight gold medal as a team.