So there’s no need for the other teams to show up, right? Or even try? I mean, LeBron James, for reals, already told TIME MAGAZINE that the Americans will win the gold medal in Beijing. And it shall happen. Right?

(Words you can take to the engraver, or just another puff of smoke?)

When James was comparing the feeling of winning a gold medal to opening gifts on Christmas (because he’s … won Olympic gold?), a sterling reporter wanted clarification if James meant he was going to lead Team USA Basketball to one of those shiny golden medals. “Absolutely.” When asked if that was a guarantee, he said, “Absolutely.” Read more…