Men’s basketball

Team USA guard Kobe Bryant slips past Lithuania defender Jonas Valanciunas in the second half of a men’s basketball prelim. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Aug. 9, 2012 12 AM PT

After demolishing most of its opponents through the quarterfinals, the U.S. men’s basketball team heads to a semifinal match with Argentina.

Russell Westbrook leaps past Tunisia defenders for a first-half basket in a preliminary match. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Team USA’s James Harden dunks the ball during a quarterfinal matchup with Australia. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

U.S. forward LeBron James is pictured after the U.S. team beat Australia 119-86 during their quarterfinal match. (Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images)

Team USA lines up for the national anthem before taking on the Australian basketball team. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

Kevin Durant, from left, Tyson Chandler and Carmelo Anthony celebrate late in the fourth quarter on their way to defeating Australia. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

Australian guard Matt Dellavedova takes on Kobe Bryant during their matchup. (Mark Ralston / AFP/Getty Images)