Former Lakers Wing/Close LeBron James Friend May Un-Retire for 2024 Olympics

Not sure about this one.

Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Team USA roster is slowly being developed. 

A number of elite US-eligible NBA players have committed to playing, potentially giving America one of their best squads in recent memory. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant, and more, have all stated their desire to play in an attempt to avenge the US's bronze medal in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

A staple of USA Basketball for multiple Olympic runs is former Los Angeles Lakers Carmelo Anthony, who stepped away from the game in May of this year. He spent his 19th and final NBA season, in a Hall of Fame career that included 10 All-Star appearances, with LA. Having retired, there was no expectation that Melo would return to try to snag his 4th gold medal, but recently, his son, Kiyan Anthony, brought it up. 

When Kiyan asked Melo about rumors that he’s coming out of retirement for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Melo responded:

“I got a couple months to see.”

Is Melo coming out of retirement to bring home the gold? 🏅👀 pic.twitter.com/pnCTefght1

— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) October 19, 2023

We've seen ex-Lakers come out of retirement to play for Team USA, as Magic Johnson in 1992 comes to mind. 

That said, Magic retired during what was essentially his peak, while Melo had regressed tremendously is much older, and went unsigned in the 2022-2023 season prior to retiring. 

To that end, it's theoretically possible that Team USA brings him in as the last member of the bench, or maybe in a non-playing role, like as an Assistant Coach or in some kind of basketball operations role. 

That too, however, is unlikely, as being involved with Team USA in any capacity is highly competitive. Melo is one of the most decorated Olympians in basketball history, however, so if anyone were to have an exception made for them, it could be him. 

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or LA Sports Report yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!