LeBron James has "made it known to top officials at USA Basketball that he wants to play" in the Tokyo Games, but the uncertainty surrounding the '20-21 NBA season has "made planning next to impossible," according to Chris Sheridan of BASKETBALLNEWS.com. USA Basketball Managing Dir Jerry Colangelo said, “I was told he wants to plan on being able to play, but no one can totally commit under these circumstances." Sheridan reported the "uncertainty extends" to Team USA coach Gregg Popovich, who "may be coaching" the Spurs next July when the Games get underway. Still, Colangelo is "doing his best to prepare Team USA for as many possible scenarios as he can envision." He said, “I’ve been on the phone with (NBA Deputy Commissioner) Mark Tatum about this, and he said all sorts of possibilities are on the table, but things change every day. I wish I could plan. I just can’t." Colangelo added that a suspension of the NBA season in "order to clear time for the Olympics also has been discussed." Colangelo: “The problem is that the IOC has a rule mandating an early submission of a 12-man roster. But with a pandemic, the hope would be that you’ve got to set aside outdated rules. I assume people will be reasonable and come up with some kind of a program that works" (BASKETBALLNEWS.com, 9/24).
