LeBron James tried his best to stay calm after learning Joel Embiid committed to Team USA

Joel Embiid sent shockwaves through the international basketball world Thursday when he revealed he’d play for Team USA — not his native Cameroon or France — at the 2024 Summer Olympics. The reigning NBA MVP and Philadelphia 76ers talisman will join an absolutely stacked roster that features other notable names like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Jayson Tatum, and, of course, LeBron James.

After Lakers practice Thursday, James was asked for his opinion on the Embiid news. At first, his reaction seemed muted. But then it became abundantly clear James was ecstatic that the superstar big man was joining forces with some of the biggest stars in American basketball. (Note: James may have also played an active recruiting part in getting Embiid aboard.)

Sometimes, you just can’t hide a smile:

LeBron on the potential of playing in the Olympics as well as Joel Embiid committing to Team USA and the role he played in that: pic.twitter.com/YmWjvokUtT

— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) October 5, 2023

If James wanted to show more public jubilation, no one would have blamed him. It was already going to be a tall order beating a Team USA roster that featured some of the greatest players in basketball history. Adding a top-flight big man like Embiid, who can score at will, is a delightful cherry on top.