LeBron James: Gregg Popovich 'Factors A Lot' Into 2020 Olympics Decision

[RealGM Wiretap]

LeBron James is undecided if he will participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

James said the chance to play for Gregg Popovich will be a big consideration.

"It factors a lot," James said. "I've said that before. He's just a great mastermind of the game of basketball."

James recently called Popovich "the greatest coach of all time."

"Team USA is in good hands with him," James, a gold medalist in 2008 and 2012, told the Associated Press at the time of Popovich's hire by USA Basketball. "It was in good hands with Coach K. It's almost like 'The Godfather.' We hand it off to Michael Corleone now."

Via Dave McMenamin/ESPN

[KobeBryant24]

Phil Jackson >

[Black Jack]

the players really love pop. not like that disagreeable old guy in nyc.

[CH Smoot]

OMG. LeBron is going to leave Cleveland and play for Pop. First sign. OMG.

[Wo1verine]

Team USA management shouldn't feel any pressure - It's not like they need LBJ to win.

[Sam195]

Phil Jackson >

There are a lot of players who hate phil jackson - both who played or didn't play for him. You can't find a single player in the nba if they played for the Spurs or not who hates Popovich. Two guys who come to mind who had rough relationships regarding playing time with Pop recently were Stephen Jackson and James Anderson and they both have so many positive things to say about him when asked. Phil jumped bandwagons and coached teams with established hall of fame talent already on them in Jordan-Pippen Bulls, Kobe-Shaq Lakers and Kobe-Gasol-Bynum Lakers. Pop stayed with one team and city while building something special that will last well past his lifetime. Pop is worshiped in San Antonio and most of Southern Texas (more liberal area than the hardcore right wing state rest of America labels it). Both Tim Duncan and David Robinson have credited Popovich's stability in the organization as well as his coaching and mentorship as the largest contributions in their hall of fame careers. Ginoblli, Tony Parker and Kawhi will say the same things after they retire.

[bqmuzik]

I'm sure i'm being a bit dramatic here, but as someone who has dedicated 15 years of his life to the military It bothers me a little when players are not interested in representing their country for the Olympics or World Championships. The crazy thing is, these other countries players don't even have to think twice about it. No excuses about coaches, needing to rest not wanting to play for free etc. Commit to what the hell you signed up for. Next time I have to deploy i'm gonna be like, "naw i'm good, I need break".