Who will be on Team USA men's basketball roster for Los Angeles 2028?

While the festivities of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and Team USA men’s basketball gold medal are still fresh in the memory of many, it is never too early to look ahead to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 where a group featuring several new faces will look to win the nation’s fifth-straight gold.

This moment will likely signify a changing of the guard for American basketball as a generation of legends in the sport step aside and a new era of NBA stars attempt to carry the torch forward on their home turf.

Here are the players who may have appeared in their last Olympics at Paris 2024, likely returnees and some potential new faces that could be joining Team USA in Los Angeles.

Potentially moving on after Paris 2024

Doubting LeBron James is usually a mistake. That said, there’s no way that the Paris 2024 MVP will appear in his fifth Olympics at 43 years old, right? He looked vintage with his play in Paris in addition to his role as a leader both on and off the floor for Team USA. He appeared in his first Olympics at Athens 2004 and while it might seem like a longshot, Los Angeles 2028 could be the perfect stage to give James a well-deserved send off.

Stephen Curry has only appeared in one Olympics during his historic career and in classic Curry fashion, he stole the show with a shooting performance for the ages. In the gold medal match against France, the 36 year old scored 24 points on 8-12 shooting from deep including a late barrage that secured the gold. The NBA’s all-time leading three-point shooter will be 40 when Los Angeles 2028 commences.

Kevin Durant is a four-time gold medalist and Team USA’s all-time leading scorer. His experience and pure skill were pivotal in the Americans’ run at Paris 2024, averaging nearly 14 points per game and shooting 51.9 per cent from three over six games. He will be 39 years old when the next Games begin so there is still a possibility that Durant could be back for his fifth Olympics.

Potential returnees from Paris 2024

While Jayson Tatum’s lack of playing time at Paris 2024 was a major story, he should be a lock to play in Los Angeles if he so desires. He is one of the best players in the NBA and will still be in his athletic prime at 30 years old when the Games come back around. It’s also safe to assume that his role will see a massive increase too.

Devin Booker excelled in his role as the glue guy in Team USA’s starting lineup at Paris 2024, providing the perfect combination of defense, outside shooting and the occasional bit of short creation. He is also a candidate to step into a bigger role in Los Angeles.

Bam Adebayo excelled off the bench this summer, displaying his versatility and quickly became an important part of the team’s rotation. He is almost a lock to be back for the red, white and blue in Los Angeles.

At Paris 2024, Anthony Edwards was the youngster of the group as he gained experience under the aforementioned James, Durant and Curry. He has quickly ascended to becoming one of the most popular players in the NBA, possessing the talent and mentality to potentially be the face of the team in 2028.

Joel Embiid was maligned for his decision to play for Team USA at Paris 2024 but still had moments of dominance after embracing the role of the villain. Assuming health and a desire to play, the former MVP’s spot in Los Angeles will almost certainly be reserved.

Anthony Davis, like Adebayo, provided pivotal defense and rebounding off the bench at Paris 2024. There will likely be a spot on the team reserved for him if he wants to run it back at age 35.

Tyrese Haliburton did not play any consequential minutes in Paris but he is still one of the NBA’s rising young stars and there is a realistic possibility he gets a real chance at the next Games.

New faces who could play at Los Angeles 2028

Jaylen Brown was one of the most notable snubs of the Paris 2024 roster and did not hide his displeasure about the decision. He has quickly become one of the best two-way players in the league and has played his best basketball under the brightest lights. Will there be a spot for the 2024 NBA Finals MVP in Los Angeles?

Paolo Banchero was a member of Team USA during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and was considered for a spot in Paris. At just 21 years old, he has already helped lead his Orlando Magic to the playoffs and will be entering his prime by the next Games.

The same goes for Cade Cunningham, who could be an intriguing lead guard for a talented Team USA. He is a strong passer, has improved his outside shooting and has the frame to be an impactful defender.

Chet Holmgren, the runner up for 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year award, would provide a unique combination of rim protection and floor spacing at the center position. While Team USA might not need to add another center to the mix, Holmgren will be in consideration.

Mikal Bridges was also a member of Team USA during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, hitting a few memorable clutch shots and playing his usual level of elite defense during the tournament. He is a versatile player that fits well on any team and will likely get strong consideration.