All-NBA Los Angeles Lakers teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis will return to represent the United States in their first Olympic Games since 2012.
But as The Ringer’s Bill Simmons made clear on the latest episode of his show, The Bill Simmons Podcast, he doesn’t expect either of L.A.’s superstars to be selected as starters under head coach Steve Kerr.
Simmons named his top five as All-NBA Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, All-NBA Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard and All-Star forward James, Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, though Simmons noted that Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum may be a better player than James or Durant at the moment.
“That’s my lineup,” Simmons said. “Edwards and Curry in the backcourt. Embiid at center. I think Durant will start because he’s had such a long career in the Olympics. And the question for me is, Tatum or LeBron? I can’t imagine LeBron not starting. Tatum won’t start! He just won a title, he’s in the prime of his career, he’s a complete international player, but I don’t think he’ll start. I think LeBron and Durant will start.”
READ MORE: Lakers News: Watch LeBron James and Anthony Davis face off in pre-Olympic practice
Embiid is a much more well-rounded offensive player than Davis, thanks to his passing and 3-point shooting prowess, but Davis is a better post defender, making Embiid a better fit for the international game as a more well-rounded player.
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