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Instead, James used the ESPY's platform to discuss his favorite topic. Winning.
He looked at Detroit Pistons and Olympic basketball coach Larry Brown and told him to expect nothing less than a gold-medal effort from his American team, which opens camp Monday in Jacksonville, Fla.
``We're gonna get it done, Coach,'' James said.
An Olympic gold medal would be a nice start, but it's not guaranteed.
James won't be the 10th or 11th man on a roster filled with proven players. This is the youngest team the U.S. has sent to the Olympics since it began using pros in 1992.
James will not sit and learn. He will play and likely play often against veteran European opponents who see the U.S. team as vulnerable.
The decision by many standouts to skip the Games has created chances for James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade. A new generation of players charged with carrying on a tradition of excellence.
``The world is catching up and that's a good thing for our game,'' Brown said. ``(But) we have a responsibility to show we are the best in the world.''
It's a responsibility James takes seriously. Those closest to him say he's focused on Athens.
The kid is phoning his new coach constantly, picking Brown's brain, enthusiastically volunteering to play any position. Forget any rift with Boozer. James won't allow it to jeopardize the team.
``Everything good about our game LeBron represents,'' Brown said.