The men’s basketball team from Team USA was down a point with twenty seconds left in Saturday’s game in London, after trailing for the whole of the game against a young and energetic South Sudan squad. Strangely, though, nobody seemed very worried. Actually, as US head coach Steve Kerr sketched up the play for their last attempt, an air of tranquility permeated the huddle. Pass the ball to LeBron James; that was the play call.

James carried the ball confidently up the floor, exuding composure and poise. After he checks his defender with a dribble through his knees, he dashes downhill toward the basket and jumps up for a whirling layup with his right hand that bounces against the hoop.

When the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris begin, James will have surpassed Larry Bird as the oldest player to ever compete for Team USA’s men’s basketball team, at the age of 39. But his leadership and play continue to make him the American team’s gold medal hope. Team USA maintained their perfect record during their Olympic tuneup run with a stop on South Sudan’s final possession.

I prefer those to the blowouts because we are at least put to the test. According to James, who got up off the floor, he enjoys being examined. “Those ones are top-notch.”

The United States was led in scoring by James, who finished with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. The United States of America triumphed 101–100 at O2 Arena, with Joel Embiid scoring 14 points and Anthony Davis contributing 15 points.

With 25 points and six three-pointers, South Sudanese star Marial Shayok—who played for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019–20 NBA season—led all scorers. Carlik Jones, who briefly played for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA in 2022–23, had a remarkable triple double for South Sudan.

On Monday, Team USA will face Germany in their last pre-Paris 2024 tune-up game at the O2 Arena.