 James has averaged 20.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.8 rebounds this season |
NBA rookie of the year LeBron James is one of five players who has been added to the US Olympic basketball squad. Also included were New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury, New Jersey's Richard Jefferson and Phoenix Suns duo Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion.
The call-ups come after LA Lakers all-star Kobe Bryant pulled out because of his impending sexual assault trial.
Seattle Supersonics' Ray Allen also confirmed he would not be making the trip because for family reasons.
There have also been reports that New Jersey Nets all-star Jason Kidd and Lakers future Hall of Famer Karl Malone are having second thoughts about their Olympic participation.
The addition of the five players brings the US roster to the official 12-man limit but the line-up may yet change ahead of Athens.
US coach Larry Brown is hoping to include Shaquille O'Neal in the squad but the Lakers centre has said his participation will depend on how Los Angeles fare in the NBA play-offs.
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