Hawks' Trae Young sends 1-word response to Lakers' LeBron James

Both the men’s and women’s Team USA squads brought home Olympic gold in 5x5 basketball.

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young was left off the roster, but he still appreciated the display put on by his countrypeople.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James posted a clip from Nike that highlighted the women’s side and noted their dominance. They have won 61 straight contests, with basketball legend Diana Taurasi narrating and noting that other teams “compete for second place.”

“It is very inspiring RIGHT!?!?!” James posted on X on August 12.

“Very,” the Hawks’ three-time All-Star, Young, posted in James’ comments which were flooded with questions about his interaction with a young fan outside of a club in Paris.

As far as basketball goes, though, the men’s and women’s teams both capped their runs with compelling victories. The men’s side trailed Serbia through three quarters of play, using a 32-15 fourth quarter to seal the deal.

The women’s squad was tied with France at halftime and led by two entering the final frame.

They had to hold off a furious fight from the French, led by Gabby Williams, whose last-second shot went in but was not enough.

Williams – who finished with a team-high 19 points – was inside the three-point line when she took off for her shot as time expired. She was visibly dejected afterward, as were her teammates and anyone not rooting for Team USA.

The same was true for the men’s side.

Their battle gave us the iconic images of James and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry’s embrace postgame as well as them alongside Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant.

Curry’s 36 points were a game-high versus Serbia. But all three players proved critical to Team USA men bringing home their fifth straight Olympic gold medal. It was also likely the last opportunity for all three – who are in their mid-to-late 30s – to participate.

For the women, it is their eighth straight gold.

This latest one came in large part on the strength of A’ja Wilson’s game-high 21 points. Afterward, Wilson was asked to describe Kahleah Copper, who was key in the win.

2028 Olympics set for Hawks star's back yard

The stage is set for an even more exciting 2028 Olympics which will take place in Los Angeles. Now, if only the Hawks can help get Young – who owns a residence in LA – on the Team USA roster after he was left off this group.

Young has made clear his desire to play on multiple occasions.

It could be as simple as showing growth in his decision-making with Young’s awareness of his shot-making ability can override his better judgment to instead move the ball.

The Hawks’ offense will be more reliant on him in 2024-25 than it was in 2023-24 when Dejounte Murray was around to keep the Hawks competitive without Young on the floor. The hope is that Jalen Johnson takes that next step to alleviate some of the burden on Young.

If not, the 2028 Olympics and getting back to the playoffs in 2024-25 could be pipe dreams.