There are two warm-up games set for the defending gold medallists, LeBron James, before he travels to the Olympics with the United States.

After not competing in an Olympics since London 2012, Los Angeles Lakers star James has made it clear he wants to be a member of the team that travels to Paris in hopes of winning a fifth straight gold medal in men’s basketball.

As Olympic preparations pick up steam, the United States will play South Sudan on July 20 and Germany two days later, both at the O2 Arena.

Seven-time NBA All-Star and 1996 gold medallist Grant Hill, who spoke to the PA news agency, thinks there’s a good chance James would travel to Europe even if he missed the last two Games.

“LeBron, Kevin Durant, and many others have expressed a willingness and a desire to be a part of this program, so that’s definitely a possibility,” he stated.

“I believe it speaks to USA Basketball’s culture. Many of these guys who have spoken in public have participated in it in the past and wish to participate in it once more.

“Then there are those outstanding players who want to be included in this but haven’t played for USA basketball or on the FIBA stage. That’s a really positive thing, then.

“Let’s put the pieces together; we have the instruments and these guys, so it’s a really positive thing.”

Due to their dominance in the sport since it entered the Olympic program in 1936, the United States might win an unprecedented 17th gold medal in men’s basketball.

However, Hill feels that the strain of becoming the enduring winner is increased.

He remarked, “There are so many really talented international teams.”

“We must show respect for our rivals. Although we must acknowledge how challenging this is, it is a good thing that the pressure is increasing.

“You want that, and the best of the best have learned to feel at ease in high-stress situations because they understand the significance and worth of it.”

Germany is the current World Cup champion, and South Sudan is the lowest-ranked country to qualify for the men’s basketball tournament since 2004.

Regarding the London fixtures, Hill remarked, “These are not friendly matches; this is serious.”

“Your preparations should begin when we perform here in London the following summer. You have a brief window of time to get ready before you realize it and find yourself in Paris.

Therefore, you need strong opponents, which we have, and each time we take the court, there is a feeling of urgency.