Is LeBron James or Kevin Durant the USA basketball Olympic GOAT? Here's the case for each NBA superstar

In the history of the United States men's national basketball program, some of the game's greatest players have donned the red, white and blue. Impressive as the program's history is, the roster for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris was one of the most accomplished ever to represent USA Basketball.

Leading the charge for the 2024 team were LeBron James and Kevin Durant, two of America's most decorated Olympians and generational NBA talents. The 2024 games marked the fourth Olympic appearance for James and Durant, two mainstays of the USA Basketball program, with every Olympic roster since 2004 featuring at least one of the two stars.

While they were the two elder statesmen on the 2024 roster, James and Durant have arguably been the team's most important contributors, evidenced by their roles during Team USA's incredible comeback win over Serbia in the semifinal round.

As Durant is days away from turning 36 and James is months away from his 40th birthday, some signs indicate that Paris could be their final time representing Team USA in international competition. Given their importance to the program and the game as a whole, this juncture is a great time to explore if one of the two legends is deserving of the title of USA Basketball's Olympic GOAT.

Here is a closer look at the case for James and Durant as well as their stats in the Olympic games.

MORE: Full stats from Team USA's time at the Paris Olympics

Who is the USA Basketball Olympic GOAT?

The case for LeBron James

James has represented USA Basketball at four Olympic games spanning three decades.

After debuting as a 19-year-old rising sophomore in the NBA, James was the most valuable player for the Olympic team 20 years later, even as a 39-year-old gearing up for his 22nd season in the NBA.

Let's rewind to the 2004 team before looking at the bigger picture.

Team USA's underwhelming performance en route to winning bronze in Athens is viewed as a mark on James' Olympic legacy, but the fact of the matter is that James had a minimized role on that team. Had he played more, Team USA may have found more success, though that is a hypothetical no one will ever have an answer for.

What is known is that James played a key role on the 2008 "Redeem Team," whose run to win gold restored USA basketball's reputation as the gold standard. James reprised that role in 2012, which also doubled as the introduction of Olympic Durant.

Over a decade later, James' pledge to return to the Olympic stage set the tone for the country's biggest stars, resulting in a number of commitments across the board. Headlined by James, the 2024 roster featured seven NBA champions, four league MVPs and four Finals MVPs.

With all the star power that was present, a 39-year-old James led the way, winning tournament MVP honors while leading the USA to gold.

Much like his NBA career, James' longevity and role as a leader for the program as a whole give him a unique edge with respect to things that cannot exactly be measured. 

MORE: Will 2024 be LeBron James' last Olympic appearance?

The case for Kevin Durant

When it comes to measurables and counting stats, Durant's got it all covered.

Durant's role as a 23-year-old on the 2012 national team set off a string of four consecutive Olympic appearances where gold was the standard. Despite being an up-and-comer on a roster that featured veterans in James, Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony, Durant averaged 19.5 points per game and scored 30 points in the gold medal game.

In his next two Olympic appearances, Durant was unquestionably the guy for Team USA, leading the team to gold with averages of 19.4 points per game in 2016 and 20.7 points per game at the Tokyo Games.

Given the prolific nature of Durant's generational scoring ability, he now stands alone as Team USA's all-time Olympic scoring leader — man or woman — surpassing Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie with his efforts in 2024.

The purity of Durant's game is perfect for international play. And he's stepped up in the biggest moments, following up his 2012 gold-medal performance with another 30-point gold-medal game in 2016 and a 29-point gold-medal performance in Tokyo.

Durant's stats give him a measurable advantage, but his ability to step up when it matters most is something that can't be quantified.

MORE: The complete history of the Olympics basketball MVP award

Who is the GOAT?

After James' performance at the 2024 games, the pendulum swings in his favor as the USA Basketball Olympic GOAT.

What James means to the United States men's basketball program was on full display throughout the 2024 Olympic cycle. His commitment to the team set the tone for other high-profile commitments. On the court, his body of work stood out above the rest of the team and his MVP honor solidified the notion of him being the team's most important player.

For James to have a crucial role for the Olympic team at 23, 27 and 39, his longevity and greatness add to the lore of his greatness, which is unmatched.

Durant's performance in 2024 should not be overlooked, either. Durant's status as the all-time leading scorer and one of Team USA's best gold-medal game performers also deserves recognition.

As the dust settles from the 2024 games, it's fair to say that Durant is the best player to represent Team USA on the Olympic stage. James, on the other hand, is the greatest.

It makes sense that the duo was 2-for-2 winning gold medals as teammates.

MORE: Projecting USA basketball's roster for the 2028 Olympics is no easy task

LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant: Olympics stats

Per game averages

Total stats

LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant: Olympics medals, records