Wizards’ Beal is latest to decline Rio Olympics invite

It also marked the sixth straight season in which James played in the NBA Finals, meaning his seasons typically stretch into mid-June.

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal said Friday he has declined the chance to play on the US Olympic team of National Basketball Association stars that will seek a third consecutive gold medal in August at Rio.

James just finished leading the Cavaliers to the National Basketball Association title on Sunday.

LeBron James won’t be going to Rio this summer.

“This was a very hard decision”. He’s the latest big name to withdraw from the American team, joining Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, James Harden and others.

Kyrie Irving is a strong candidate to make the team if he chooses to play, given the amount of point guards who have pulled out already.

Many NBA stars have passed on the opportunity to represent their country in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic games, and now Damian Lillard has joined the growing list, according to The Vertical.

A source told the website a desire to rest his body from the title run to better prepare his bid to defend the crown was his only reason for not playing in Rio, the Zika virus not playing a role in his decision.

LeBron has played in three Olympics and picked up the gold medal in both 2008 and 2012, as well as a bronze medal in 2004. He is the USA team’s all-time scoring leader with 273 points and second in total rebounds with 95.

The three-time champion is the latest big-name player to withdraw from the USA team, joining MVP Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, James Harden and others.

Beal was highly effective when on the floor last season, averaging a career-high 17.4 points per game to go along with 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James dances along with fans during a parade in downtown Cleveland for the NBA basketball champions, Wednesday, June 22, 2016.