LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers saved Team USA yet again, leading them to a 92-88 victory over Germany in their final exhibition game before the 2024 Olympics in London on Monday. Despite this, Skip Bayless is unimpressed.
Skip Bayless, a Fox Sports analyst, didn’t hold back his criticism of The King. He sent out a series of tweets directed at Team USA, even giving LeBron a new nickname.
Skip Bayles criticized Team USA and LeBron. James Bayless questioned Team USA’s defense and highlighted the absence of Kevin Durant, saying, “There is still something missing from our Team Gold—and I don’t just mean Kevin Durant.” There is no genuine rhythm on offense. “There is no consistent lockdown tenacity on defense.”
If Team USA had had Jordan in his prime today, it would've covered the 15.5-point spread.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 22, 2024
Team USA struggled with dribble penetration and kick-out three-pointers in their tight game against South Sudan on Saturday.
Prior to the game, they focused resolving these shortcomings, with Jrue Holiday and Anthony Edwards putting significant pressure on Germany’s guards and the team exhibiting a more serious defensive concentration.
During the USA Basketball Showcase at T-Mobile Arena, USA forward LeBron James (6) looks on during the third quarter versus Canada, revealing his new nickname.
Bayless later gave LeBron a new nickname: “LeBron, King of the Practice Games.”
LeBron, King of the Practice Games.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 22, 2024
James produced eight vital points, along with steals, rebounds, and sheer effort, to lead the Americans to a four-point win. He finished with 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists, but those stats do not fully represent the intensity and impact of his effort.
After the game, Bayless even made a hypothetical reference to Michael Jordan, saying, “If Team USA had Jordan in his prime today, it would’ve covered the 15.5-point spread.”
There is still just something missing from our Team Gold — and I don't just mean Kevin Durant. No real flow on offense. No consistent lock-down tenacity on defense.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 22, 2024
Team USA finished 5-0.
Team USA finished their pre-Olympic tour with a 5-0 record, but they still have some issues to work out after two disappointing performances in London.
Steph Curry tallied 13 points for Team USA. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid continues to improve, scoring 15 points, collecting eight rebounds, and handing out five assists as he looks to find his form.
Germany started strong, leading 13-8 early on. However, USA Basketball answered with a 15-2 run, winning the first quarter 29-19.
While Team USA dominated the second quarter, Germany took control in the second half. Starting the third quarter trailing by nine, Germany recovered with a 12-2 run to lead 53-52.
LeBron James is HIM.
Even though Team USA was behind by one point with four minutes left, LeBron James, the oldest player on the team, demonstrated why he is their leader.
James went on a personal 11-0 run for Team USA, including a three-pointer that gave the Americans a 90-86 lead before increasing the margin to 92-86. Germany was unable to reply, and Team USA secured a tough victory in their final exhibition game.
Franz Wagner led Germany’s scoring with 18 points (6-of-14 shooting), 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Andreas Obst scored 14 points, making 4 of 10 three-pointers.
Kevin Durant missed the game while recovering from a right calf injury. USA basketball coach Steve Kerr had hoped Durant would receive some playing time in London before the team flew to France for final Olympic preparations. Durant practiced last week and upped his activity over the weekend, but he was not prepared to play on Monday.
The inaugural game of Olympic pool play is scheduled for Sunday, July 28. Team USA will compete against Serbia and Nikola Jokic. In their exhibition game, the Americans crushed Serbia by 26 points.
LeBron James and Team USA will take the floor in Paris later this month, hoping to prove Skip Bayless incorrect.
