On July 12, Beijing time, the United States men's basketball team has flown to Abu Dhabi, where it will continue to play Olympic warm-up games. The official posted a cabin photo of the players, and the 39-year-old James embarked on his fourth Olympic journey, attacking his third Olympic gold medal.

He also posted a picture of Zhanku's connection on social media: "The moment that the chef and the king have been patiently waiting for has finally arrived! We're right here! Interestingly, Wade replied, "Looks familiar. ”

Before heading off, James gave an exclusive interview with TODAY about the Olympics, his eldest son Bronny and his career.

I want to participate in the final run of the 4X100 relay

When asked what he would most like to compete in in addition to basketball, James said: "I want to compete in the 4×100m relay, track and field. He also said that he is a "team" athlete, "I want to be the last runner and finish the race the right way." ”

A four-time NBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, James has done almost everything at the highest level of the sport, so why did he feel compelled to return to the Olympics?

"I think it's just a matter of timing," James said. Timing is everything, and I feel like — you know, at this stage of my career, I still have a lot to give, and Team United States has given me a lot, so I feel like this is my chance to give back. ”

Whatever happens in Paris, James will become the oldest Olympian in United States men's basketball history this summer, and he will remain synonymous with basketball long after he leaves the court. But he said he wished he could be known in more ways.

Giving everything to the game is the secret to staying at the top

"I hope it's not just about basketball. For me, what I've done in our community, and what I've inspired people around the world, is what I want people to talk about — a lot of my accomplishments," James said.

James knows how important basketball is to his life, but he wants people to see more than just basketball.

"Basketball has definitely given me the opportunity to see some parts of the world and do things that I never did before, and I couldn't even imagine and couldn't do without basketball. But if my accomplishments are only about the game of basketball, then my mission has failed, so — we'll see," he said.

Speaking about his secret to maintaining the pinnacle of his career, James said: "Give everything I have for the game and for the game, and give my body at the same time. I know my body is my rhythm. To keep playing at a high level, you have to be able to commit to doing those things – I guess that's something your colleagues don't want to do. I want to squeeze as much out of my career as possible. ”

Father and son on the stage is his greatest achievement

Speaking about playing with his eldest son, Bronny, for the first time in NBA history with the Lakers, James said, "Regarding basketball, it's probably the greatest accomplishment I've ever achieved. I've done everything on a personal level, but nothing is bigger than being able to compete with my son. It's the greatest thing that has ever happened. ”

When asked how he would get along with his son Bronny as a teammate, James said, "Just like me and my other teammates. I'm going to hold him accountable, and when I do something wrong, he should hold me accountable. I can tell the difference between my father and my teammates. I think as he continues to grow and as he continues to learn, I hope he can also distinguish his son from his team-mates. ”

'We have a common goal on the pitch, which is to win games and get better every day. For me, I'm probably going to have a higher standard for him because I want him to be great. I want him to do his best. But at the end of the day, there are no shortcuts. In basketball, I don't measure anyone around me by shortcuts, and I don't let anyone around me do that every day. ”

It is confirmed that he will not participate in the 2028 Olympic Games

The 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, and Durant previously thought James still had a chance to play in that Olympics. While James recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers, don't expect him to be in the City of Angels in 4 years.

"No, I'm not going," James said, "and I'm going to leave the city when the Olympics are in Los Angeles." Well, I'll live there for a year. I won't be in Los Angeles for 28 years. I'm getting out of there. "