National Basketball Association

Chris Paul won't play for US Olympic basketball team

Published Mar. 29, 2016 11:24 p.m. ET

foxsports

Chris Paul won't play for the U.S. basketball team in this summer's Olympics, passing up a chance for a third gold medal.

Paul played for the U.S. in 2008 and 2012 and could have joined LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony in trying to become the first players to win three Olympic basketball golds.

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo says the Clippers guard had told him previously he wasn't sure about returning, and finally decided he was definitely out. Colangelo says he understands the decision.

Paul's decision was first reported Tuesday by Sports Illustrated.

It's the second key loss for the Americans. New Orleans All-Star Anthony Davis had to pull out because of shoulder and knee injuries.