The performances by LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry in the 2024 Olympic Games stand out as some of the best in Olympic history by any U.S. players. While some might push back on this statement, it’s something worth considering.

On the world stage, this is some of the best basketball I’ve ever seen. However, it’s clear that the USA has work to do moving forward. The team has young talent, but few players globally are on the level of LeBron, Steph, and KD. Their outstanding performances carried the USA team and will go down in history.

Kevin Durant solidified his legacy as the U.S. Olympic all-time leading scorer with 518 points. It’s hard to imagine where we’d be without Kevin Durant hitting big shot after big shot. His overall play was outstanding throughout the tournament. He made a crucial block in the gold medal game and consistently knocked down shots when it mattered most.

LeBron James was a steady force throughout the tournament, averaging 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.3 steals in six games—all U.S. victories. In the championship game, he led the team to a 98-87 victory over France, contributing 14 points, six rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals in 33 minutes, earning MVP honors for the 2024 Olympics.

James is one of only three players in history to achieve a triple-double in the Olympics, joining Sasha Belov (Soviet Union) and Luka Doncic (Slovenia). His first (James) came in 2012 against Australia, and he recorded another in these 2024 Games against Serbia with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Despite these achievements, I believe LeBron will never fully receive the credit he deserves.

Steph Curry is in a league of his own. His shooting display against Serbia, where he exploded for 36 points with nine three-pointers, was otherworldly, just one point shy of Carmelo Anthony’s 37-point record against Nigeria. In the gold medal game, Curry delivered another unforgettable performance, sinking eight three-pointers for 24 points.

As the world rapidly closes the gap in overall basketball talent, the next four years will see significant improvements from many teams. The U.S. men’s team had great games in the semis against Serbia and the finals against France, but the reality is that Serbia’s Nikola Jokic and France’s Victor Wembanyama will return in four years, while LeBron, Steph, and KD—players we relied on for incredible performances—will have retired. The search for new blood is urgent.