National Basketball Association

James speaks about decision, World Cup, Olympics in Rio

Published Jul. 13, 2014 1:31 p.m. ET

Marcus Hartman

LeBron James made the biggest splash of the American sports news cycle this week, but he didn't stick around to watch the aftermath. Instead, he hopped a plane to Brazil to take in the World Cup Final.

During a promotional event, he also sat down for his first interview since announcing his choice to rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers after four seasons with the Miami Heat.

"It's a place that I will be able to be home," he replied when asked about his choice, "to be able to represent for my family and friends and those fans, and it gives me an opportunity to reunite with one of my favorite teammates, Anderson Varejao, a Brazilian native, so it's gonna be unbelievable, man. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

James also answered the question probably more on the minds of the folks there watching him: how does he see the final match of the World Cup playing out?

"I think Germany has the better overall team," James said. "Argentina has one of the best players in the world, if not the best in Messi, but that's why they play the game. We'll see what happens."

While the trip to Rio was his first, he acknowledged it might not be his last. The city is scheduled to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, and James is of course in line to represent the United States. He already has won a bronze medal and two golds for Team USA but said he has not committed to a fourth Olympic appearance.

"It would be great to just again be able to play in front of the world, play in front of the fans here in Rio and be able to represent my country at the highest level, so we'll see," he said. "I've got a little bit of time, but no matter if I'm on the team or not, we're going to bring the best guys that we can to come over and win a gold medal."

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