James, Durant Come Together to Prepare for International Competition
The opening ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympics will take place on July 27, and is expected to be viewed by approximately 4 billion people worldwide. It will mark the beginning of a 17-day event that will display some of the greatest athletes in the world. Held in London, this will be the 30th Summer Olympic Games.
It is an international competition that allows participants from all over the world to showcase their talents on a world stage. Regardless of country size, custom, or culture, the world will come together in what amounts to a two-week international sports festival. From the Olympic Village to the actual sports venues, all those in attendance will have the opportunity to taste the flavor of the world.
Just last week, LeBron James and Kevin Durant opposed each other in the NBA Finals. In a few weeks, they will be Olympic teammates, representing the United States, as they participate in Men's Basketball.
James and Durant recently wrapped up a delayed, abbreviated season. Durant's Oklahoma City Thunder captured game one of the NBA Finals, however, James' Miami Heat won the next four, successfully ending his pursuit of his first world championship. In the first week of July, they will join forces as they begin Olympic training camp in Las Vegas before traveling to London later in the month.
Last year in the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat was defeated by the Dallas Mavericks. James gave himself only two weeks off before getting back to the gym. He asked Durant to join him. At that time, he didn't realize they would be on a much larger stage than his Ohio home so quickly.
"I envisioned it, but I didn't know it was going to happen, James said. "But to see a few months later that we were going to meet each other in the finals, it was a great moment for myself and for him."
Get ready. The Heat and Thunder could very well be in the NBA Finals again, perhaps as soon as next year. In which case, James will experience what it feels like to defend his title, and Durant will take on the role as the best player in the league without one.
"This won't be the last time we see them in the finals," James said referring to the Thunder.
