Biography

Olympics

James played in the 2004 Summer Olympics with fellow NBA all-stars Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan, Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, and Carmelo Anthony. Despite the high expectations, the team finished with only a bronze medal.

James was recently named to the USA Men’s Basketball National Team from 2006-2008. The team will compete in the 2006 World Championships in Japan, and the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing; if necessary, the team will also compete at the Tournament of Americas Olympic Qualifiers in 2007.

Player profile

James is one of the few players in the league who can play 4 of the 5 positions well. James primarily is featured as a guard/forward. He has the length and quickness of a small forward, the size of a power forward, court vision and ball-handling of a two guard or point guard. During the All-star game, James started as the shooting guard for the East. He has a career average of 6.6 apg. James’ overall skill sets and on-court play have led to comparisons to NBA greats such as Magic Johnson and his childhood idol Michael Jordan (both considered guards).[2] Due to James’ versatile gameplay, others consider him more in the vein of the legendary Oscar Robertson, who was known for his great all-around play. In the 2005-06 season, James ranked among the league leaders in triple-doubles, and has 11 in his career (9 - Regular Season, 2 - Postseason). James relies on his quickness, size and strength to get to the basket, and is skilled at drawing contact and the resulting foul. In the 2006 season he led the league in completed traditional three point plays. According to analysts, James does not play with the same type of intensity on defense as he does on offense. Although he has averaged nearly 2 steals per game in his career [3], LeBron has yet to win any awards for his defensive play.[4]