LeBron will honor pledge to Team USA
6/27/2007AKRON - LeBron James will wear the red, white, and blue this summer after all.
Cleveland's all-star forward ended uncertainty about his status with the U.S. national team on last night by saying he will play in next month's FIBA America's Tournament, where the Americans will try to qualify for the 2008 Olympics.
"I'm going to play," James said. "I've had enough time off, and knowing my body more than anybody, I'm ready to play."
For several months, James had said he was "50-50" about playing for Team USA this summer. He and his girlfriend recently had their second son, and with the Cavaliers making it to the NBA finals, James may have wanted some extra time off after playing more than 100 games since last October.
However, the 22-year-old, who played on the U.S. Olympic team at the 2004 Athens Games and for the U.S. squad that won a bronze medal at last summer's world championships, intends to honor his three-year commitment with USA Basketball.
"It was a long and tough year," James said.
"But for me, if I make a commitment, I want to keep it. I'm a loyal guy. I committed to three years, and I'm going to hold up my end of the bargain."