Kevin Durant signs up for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Kevin Durant does not consider his Olympic chapter closed. The American forward confirmed to ESPN that he intends to represent the United States at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, contradicting the widespread perception that Paris had been his last participation.

Durant, who will be close to 40 years old when the event takes place in his country, has already expressed his position to USA Basketball's executive director, Grant Hill. However, he made it clear that his presence will depend solely on his competitive level.

"Of course, I want to play. I would love to, but I have to maintain my level. I want to prove that I can still help the team win, not just be there for veteran status," he explained.

The four-time Olympic champion also rejected the narrative that positioned the Paris Games as a supposed "last dance" for him, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry. James already confirmed he will not participate in 2028, and Curry's presence seems unlikely, but Durant emphasized that he never announced a farewell.

"Where did the 'last dance' idea come from? I didn't say I wasn't going to play. LeBron said he wasn't. You didn't hear that from me or Steph," he stated.

Durant is the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. men's national team in Olympic competitions, solidifying an international legacy that includes four gold medals and multiple decisive performances in FIBA tournaments.

The forward also addressed criticisms regarding the development of basketball training in the United States. In recent years, comparisons intensifying the European model as superior to the American AAU system have increased. Durant rejected that view.

"I don't like that conversation of the U.S. versus the European style. All I hear is how AAU is ruining the game and how the Europeans do it right while Americans do it wrong. There's a lot of nonsense in that," he pointed out.

He also interpreted that this discourse hides a criticism towards African-American players, whom he deems essential in American dominance in international basketball. "I can read between the lines. It's an attack on African Americans. We are ruling the sport, and they are tired of it," he affirmed.

Silencing the French

He also responded to those who point to the growth of teams like France: " 'Is France coming for you'? We beat them," he concluded.

With an eye on 2028, his participation will depend on his physical condition and performance in the coming years. For now, Kevin Durant keeps the door open for a fifth Olympic presence.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kevin Durant se apunta a los Juegos Olímpicos de Los Angeles 2028