Fast forward to August 12th and James is an NBA MVP for the third time, an NBA Champion and Finals MVP for the first time, and, following a 107-100 triumph over rival Spain, a two-time Gold Medal winner.

Dealing with foul trouble, James managed to find a way to finish with 19 points, 7 rebounds,4 assists and 2 steals. Kevin Durant led the way with 30 points to finish with the United States all-time record for most points in an Olympics, while Kobe Bryant dropped in a strong 17 points. Chris Paul played a large part late with 11 points and 3 steals for the game.

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With the score 84-82 and the United States trailing in the fourth quarter, the critics of the 2012 team made their presence felt as if they actually wanted to see their fellow countrymen lose a game to an opposing nation. Unfortunately for those critics, it was LeBron James to the rescue–hitting a huge three-pointer and several layups in the waning moments–to help secure a 99-94 victory against a determined and fearless Lithuanian team.

LeBron James led the way for the Americans with 20 points, while Linas Kleiza led all scorers with 25 points.

Even though the Americans moved to 4-0 in group play, the only thing that can be discussed surrounding this team is how they can’t compare to an immaculate team that was created in 1992 for the Summer Olympics in Barcelona. With a core including Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and Clyde Drexler, the American basketball team steamrolled through six games in the Tournament of the Americas and then eight games in the Olympics.

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