LeBron James reveals the Olympic sports he thinks he can win a medal in

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently added another milestone to his illustrious career by winning his third Olympic gold medal with Team USA basketball. His performance in Paris this summer not only cemented his status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but also earned him his first Olympic MVP award.

James’ contributions to the team were pivotal, as he repeatedly delivered at key moments, further cementing his legendary status in the sports world. LeBron’s third Olympic gold medal adds to an already impressive resume that includes four NBA championships, four NBA MVP awards and numerous All-Star appearances.

His accomplishments on the court have made him a household name, not only in basketball but in the broader world of sports. But James’ athletic prowess has often left fans and commentators wondering: Could he excel in other sports?

LeBron was asked if he could win an Olympic gold medal in another sport 🏅 His response:

“Maybe long jump. I think I can long jump, maybe, or high jump. If you give me some time. I need about six months, eight months or something to prepare for that.”… photo.twitter.com/x1pdwM9EHe

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) September 2, 2024

LeBron was recently asked this question during an episode of The Shop, where the conversation shifted to Olympic sports outside of basketball. When asked what events he thought he could compete in, LeBron didn’t hesitate. He confidently named two track and field events: the long jump and the high jump.

“There’s no competition I could compete in without preparation,” James said. “But I think maybe the long jump? The long jump or the high jump. If you give me some time, I need about six or eight months (of) preparation to get to that.”

The idea of ​​LeBron James competing in track and field may seem far-fetched at first, but given his physical attributes and training discipline, it’s not as far-fetched as it seems. LeBron is 6’9” and weighs 250 pounds, but he has the agility, speed and jumping ability of athletes much smaller than him. His vertical jump has been measured at 40 inches, a figure that would be competitive in track and field.

When asked if he believed he could win a medal in these events, James did not shy away from the challenge. “I’m a podium-only guy,” he stated, making it clear he would not settle for anything less than a medal.

While it’s unlikely LeBron will ever seriously pursue an Olympic career in track and field, the suggestion alone is a testament to his extraordinary athletic ability

The idea of ​​LeBron winning a medal in the long jump or high jump is intriguing. The long jump requires a combination of speed, power and timing, all qualities that James has demonstrated throughout his basketball career. The high jump, on the other hand, requires explosive power and precise technique, which can be developed with dedicated training.

If LeBron were to seriously pursue a career in athletics, it would undoubtedly draw a huge amount of attention. The world would be curious to see how his skills would translate from the basketball court to the track. Given his dedication to his craft and his history of overcoming challenges, it’s not unreasonable to think that LeBron could make a successful transition.

LeBron’s confidence in his ability to compete in these events speaks volumes about his mindset as an athlete. He has always approached challenges with the belief that, with the right preparation and mindset, he can achieve greatness. This mindset has propelled him to the top of the basketball world and could potentially propel him to success in other sports as well.

While it’s unlikely that LeBron will ever seriously pursue an Olympic career in track and field, the mere suggestion is a testament to his extraordinary athletic ability. It’s a reminder that LeBron James isn’t just a basketball player, he’s one of the best athletes the world has ever seen. His ability to dominate in any sport he chooses is a reflection of his hard work, talent, and unyielding drive for success.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter whether LeBron ever does the long jump or the high jump. The fact that it’s even worth talking about underscores how special an athlete he is. LeBron James isn’t just aiming for the podium in basketball, he believes he can stand on the podium in any sport he chooses. And given his track record, who wouldn’t bet on him?