Jaren Jackson Jr. and Paolo Banchero: Ready for the LA28 Olympic Basketball Call?

The question of which basketball stars will make up the United States’ men's roster for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 is one that looms large. Time is likely to be set against some of the superstars who have suited up for the team in recent times, with Kevin Durant set to be 39 by 2028 and Stephen Curry, 40. LeBron James, meanwhile, who will be 43 by the time the Games in the US roll around, has already all but entirely ruled himself out of a fifth Olympic appearance. The title defence on home soil, then, will require some fresh blood. But if Team USA’s run to gold in Paris revealed anything, it’s that roster-building needs to be exact, and international experience under FIBA rules is always a plus. Among those who fit such criteria, and could well be on the longlist for LA28, are Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr and Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero. Set to be 28 and 25, respectively, come the arrival of the tournament, both players were part of the U.S. team that finished fourth at the FIBA World Cup 2023, alongside Paris 2024 Olympians Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards. And both insist they would be ready to come back if asked. “I always say if I get the call for that, I'm there at any moment,” Jackson Jr told Olympics.com at the NBA London Game 2026. “I would drop everything to go do that, and they know that. “I definitely would want some get back from how we ended for sure,” he continued speaking on the disappointment of their final placing. “But the experience was amazing, seeing countries, seeing places I've never seen before, playing with amazing players and coaches, and just being unified, it was huge.” Who will be on Team USA men's basketball roster for Los Angeles 2028? Paolo Banchero: "It's going to be in our backyard" Banchero, likewise, pointed to his World Cup experience as giving him a taste for further international duty. “I enjoyed my experience in the World Cup. Even though we didn't medal, which was not necessarily fun, but just the international stage and getting to compete against all the best teams and players in the world, in different parts of the world, was a great experience for me.” The 2022 No.1 Draft pick wrapped up his time at the showcase co-hosted by Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with an average of 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in seven appearances for his country. More than that, the American also spoke of a sense of pride at the thought of being about to do that at home, not all that far from where he grew up. “Being in the US and LA, it's going to be in our backyard. And I'm a West Coast kid from Seattle, so LA is not far. And so, if I was able to be on that team, it would be a huge, huge opportunity,” Banchero added. “I'm sure I would put my all on the line to try and get the gold medal.” The Olympic men's basketball competition at LA28 will take place from 13-30 July 2028, and will take place in the Inuit Dome, the home venue of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers. LA28 unveils detailed Olympic competition schedule including medal events LA28 Olympic ticket registration draw is open. Here’s what happens next