James attempts a shot over China'sYao Ming at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
James made his debut for the United States national team at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.[163] He spent the Games mostly on the bench,[164][165] averaging 14.6 minutes per game with 5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game in eight games.[163]Team USA finished the competition with a bronze medal, becoming the first U.S. basketball team to return home without a gold medal since adding professionals to their line-up.[163][166] James felt his limited playing time was a "lowlight" and believed he was not given "a fair opportunity to play".[167]His attitude during the Olympics was described as "disrespectful" and "distasteful" by columnists Adrian Wojnarowski and Peter Vecsey, respectively.[168][169]
At the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, James took on a greater role for Team USA, averaging 13.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game as co-captain.[170][171] The team finished the tournament with an 8–1 record, winning another bronze medal.[170] James' behavior was again questioned, this time by teammate Bruce Bowen, who confronted James during tryouts regarding his treatment of staff members.[168][172]
Before naming James to the 2008 Olympic team, Team USA managing director Jerry Colangeloand coach Mike Krzyzewski gave James an ultimatum to improve his attitude, and he heeded their advice.[168][173] At the FIBA Americas Championship 2007, he averaged 18.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, including a 31-point performance against Argentina in the championship game, the most ever by an American in an Olympic qualifier.[174][175] Team USA went 10–0, winning the gold medal and qualifying for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.[163]James credited the team's attitude and experience for their improvement, saying: "I don't think we understood what it meant to put on a USA uniform and all the people that we were representing in 2004. We definitely know that now."[165] At the Olympics, Team USA went unbeaten, winning their first gold medal since 2000.[176] In the final game, James turned in 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists against Spain.[176]
James did not play at the 2010 FIBA World Championship but rejoined Team USA for the 2012 Olympics in London, England.[177][178] He became the leader of the team with Kobe Bryant, who would soon be 34, stepping back.[179][180][181] James facilitated the offense from the post and perimeter, called the defensive sets, and provided scoring when needed.[97][182][183][184] During a game against Australia, he recorded the first triple-double in U.S. Olympic basketball history with 11 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists.[a][184] Team USA went on to win their second straight
