_jin wrote:You're right, but it's the same issue with all professional athletes who compete in the Olympics or any other international competition.
If you're Riley or Arison can you go to Lebron and ask him not to go? I don't think they'd even try, and I don't think Lebron would agree either (or if he would that would be reluctantly), and as he can be a FA in 2 years I don't think they'll risk that.
Outside of the fact that playing for your nation in the Olympics is one of the biggest honor as an athlete, whether pro or amateur, but for the big names like Lebron it's also a way to expand their brand to a much bigger audience, and we all know how much they care about that.
I agree with you 100% it is an honor to represent your country but they already have multiple times and they won gold in Beijing in 2008 last olympics. My concern is if one of them was to get injured what will be of our team next season or if they are still too gassed out energy wise especially having such a tiresome brutal season we are finishing now. I rather them rest be ready and secured for next season. I know in baseball the MLB teams have held players from playing in the world baseball classic for that reason the risk. I assume it was mutual consent i could imagine the player has the last say if he or she wants to do it or not i really do not know.
