With the gold medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the United States men's basketball national team extended its Olympic dominance, securing their fifth consecutive gold medal and eighth in the last nine tournaments. However, as the team looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, they will have to build a new core of players, as some of the greatest players of all-time, including LeBron James and Stephen Curry, have indicated they will not be participating.

The absence of James, Curry, and Kevin Durant, who carried Team USA to victory in Paris, leaves a significant void to fill. Without these three top-tier players, Team USA will need to completely revamp their roster to remain competitive, especially as other countries continue to narrow the talent gap that the United States has traditionally enjoyed.

Predicting the exact roster for 2028 is challenging, as a lot can change in four years. However, based on the information available, here is a projected lineup for USA Basketball's men's roster at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

One player who seems like a lock for the roster is Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Known as "Ant-Man," Edwards was the youngest player on Team USA in Paris and will turn 27 during the Los Angeles Games. With his explosive scoring ability and athleticism, Edwards could potentially become the team's primary scorer.

Another strong candidate for the roster is Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. Despite being somewhat surprising as a starter in Paris, Booker performed well alongside the veteran superstars. By 2028, Booker will be 31 years old and ready to take on a larger role if he chooses to play.

Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers is another player who could make an impact for Team USA. Although he did not see much action in Paris, Haliburton's skill in playing fast and transition basketball aligns well with USA Basketball's style. At just 28 years old in 2028, he could become a catalyst for the team.

Selecting the right guards for the roster is crucial, and Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies stands out as a promising choice. With his exceptional skills and upside, Morant could form a potent backcourt duo with Edwards, posing a challenge for any opponent.

Despite the absence of James, Curry, and Durant, the USA team could still benefit from the presence of Kevin Durant. Known for his dedication to the game, Durant's size and shooting abilities would make him valuable to the team, even at the age of 40.

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics could also be a significant asset for the team. Although his performance in Paris was disappointing, Tatum's proven talent and experience with USA Basketball make him a compelling option. By 2028, at the age of 30, Tatum could potentially be one of the best American-born players.

Among the forwards, Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic appears to be a strong contender. With his solid performances at the 2023 World Cup, Banchero's decision to commit to the United States further solidifies his potential role on the team. Similarly, Cooper Flagg of Duke, despite being only 21 years old in 2028, has already shown great promise and could be the future of USA Basketball.

As for the center position, Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder stands out as a top choice. Although he may not possess traditional big-man qualities, Holmgren's offensive skills and rim protection abilities make him America's most promising young center. Alongside Holmgren, players like Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat and Dereck Lively II of the Dallas Mavericks could offer valuable contributions to the team's frontcourt.

While some players, like Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid, may not be likely to participate in the 2028 Olympics, there are still talented options waiting in the wings. Tyrese Maxey, Brandon Miller, Scottie Barnes, and Keegan Murray are among the names that could potentially fill the roster if selected.

With the changing landscape of international basketball, Team USA faces the challenge of assembling a new core of players for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Despite the absence of iconic players like James and Curry, the projected roster shows potential and a blend of experience and youthful talent that could keep the United States in contention for another gold medal. Only time will tell if the predictions align with the actual roster, but basketball enthusiasts eagerly await the future of USA Basketball.