LeBron James not playing in Rio Games

LeBron James will not chase gold this summer in the Rio Olympics.

Agent Rich Paul told the Associated Press on Thursday night that James informed USA Basketball that he has withdrawn from consideration.

James won gold medals in the last two Olympics and led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA title this week. He wanted to wait until after the season until making a decision about Rio, which would have been his fourth Olympics.

“I could use the rest,” James told cleveland.com.

He’s the latest big name to drop from the U.S. squad, following two-time MVP Stephen Curry, James Harden, Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard.

Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, Jimmy Butler and DeAndre Jordan are committed to play for the two-time defending champions in Rio de Janeiro. The Americans are also holding a spot for Kyrie Irving, James’ Cavaliers teammate.

From the tennis world, top American John Isner said he would stay away from Rio. Others included Dominic Thiem, a 19-year-old rising star from Austria who is ranked No. 8; and Australia’s two best players, No. 18 Nick Kyrgios and No. 19 Bernard Tomic.

“I would say 70 to 80 percent, probably, negative feedback I have received.” said Isner, who competed at the 2012 Games.

Kristin Armstrong will have an opportunity to chase her third straight time trial gold medal in Rio, perhaps the final chapter in a decorated cycling career spanning four Olympics. Armstrong was chosen Thursday, joining a powerhouse women’s road team that includes world bronze medalist Megan Guarnier, Evie Stevens and Mara Abbott. ... Steele Johnson and David Boudia clinched a trip to Rio by winning the synchronized diving at the Olympic trials in Indianapolis.