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Carmelo Anthony relishes London return with New York Knicks against Detroit Pistons

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EXCLUSIVE: Yanks for the memories, London… now I can't wait to get back, says Knicks superstar Anthony

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UPDATED:

13:23 GMT, 26 November 2012

It was the scene of his greatest triumph to date and, naturally, Carmelo Anthony can't wait to get back to London in the New Year.

The 28-year-old was one of the star members in the USA's all-conquering Dream Team alongside the likes of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, winning gold in the men's basketball at the 2012 Olympics.

With the regular NBA season back in full flow the New York Knicks forward has continued to shine, scoring over 20 points in 11 of the 12 games he has played in since the new 82-game campaign began at the beginning of the month.

On the ball: Anthony can't wait to get back to London in the New Year

On the ball: Anthony can't wait to get back to London in the New Year

While the Knicks have famously not won a world championship since 1973, coach Mike Woodson's Anthony-inspired side are currently enjoying the franchise's best ever start to a season with nine wins and three defeats.

Indeed, there's no doubt in the mind of veteran team-mate Marcus Camby that Anthony's achievements earlier this summer have acted as the catalyst to the Knicks' stunning start so far, which has suddenly offered the usually pessimistic natives a newfound cause for optimism.

'I think that whole Olympics experience has elevated his game,' said Camby. 'Melo came back with a lot more confidence and as you have seen this year, he is playing lights out basketball for us.'

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony

Flying high: The Knicks star scored 29 points in his side's win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday

Tyson Chandler, another stand-out Knicks performer and who was also part of the USA's gold medal-winning team, is in agreement with Camby and added: 'He [Anthony] has been so consistent throughout the year of getting us going early. His being physical gets us into the bonus, which really help out.'

And after almost single-handedly crushing the Detroit Pistons in front of a sold-out Madison Square Garden on Sunday (scoring 29 points in the 121-100 victory), there's little wonder why Anthony is so enthused about the thought of returning to the capital on January 17 when the Knicks next meet the Pistons at the O2 Arena.

'Man that's far,' joked Anthony, who was speaking to Sportsmail in New York. 'But I can't wait to get back over there in London.'

On target: Anthony celebrates with team-mate J.R. Smith during their game against the Detroit Pistons

On target: Anthony celebrates with team-mate J.R. Smith during their game against the Detroit Pistons

A smile as big as the Brooklyn Bridge covers the easy-going superstar's face and his eyes illuminate like the bright lights on Times Square as he reflects on his 'unforgettable' experience at the Games.

'It was probably one of the best experiences I've ever had just being over there, being in London [at the Olympics], both on the court and off the court,' he said.

'You know, I've got some good stories of my time at the Olympics Village but I'll keep most of those to myself. I'll keep them locked up in my vault!

'The Village was great and we hung out with whoever was there to be honest. For most of the time, there were a lot of other matches going on so we would just be there, eat at the cafeteria and hang out.

'We also had the chance to go and eat at some other spots and do some sightseeing. You know, it was great. We went to see the [London] Eye, man. And we went to the [Buckingham] Palace.

'You know, over in the UK there's definitely a lot of fashion with the clothes and, of course, there's a lot of history too when it comes to the buildings and all that.

'The fans were great to us too. They were very knowledgable of the game and basketball is definitely growing over there in London.

'The whole thing really was just one of a kind.'

With Anthony at the peak of his powers, London will undoubtedly welcome him back with open arms.

The Detroit Piston take on the New York Knicks on January 17 at NBA London Live at the O2 Arena. Watch every NBA game live or on demand via NBA LEAGUE PASS at: www.nba.com/leaguepass

London 2012 Olympics: Basketball – Dream Team win gold

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United States 107 Spain 100: Dream Team secure Olympic gold

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UPDATED:

16:20 GMT, 12 August 2012

The United States overcame some fierce resistance from Spain to land their fifth basketball gold in six Olympic Games since the start of the 'Dream Team' era.

It was the closest final since Yugoslavia beat the Americans 51-50 40 years ago, and the second closest in Olympic history.

Golden moment: The 'Dream Team' celebrate their win over Spain

Golden moment: The 'Dream Team' celebrate their win over Spain

Kevin Durant scored 30 points to lead the Americans while LeBron James had 19 and Kobe Bryant 17.

More to follow…

London 2012 Olympic Basketball: United States 109 Argentina 83: Dream Team make final

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United States 109 Argentina 83: Dream Team have shot at gold after making final

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UPDATED:

22:32 GMT, 10 August 2012

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The United States will face Spain for gold on Sunday in a rematch of the 2008 Olympic final after ruthlessly dispatching Argentina.

In similar fashion to the group stage meeting, the United States wore down the Argentinians in the second half before pulling away for a big win.

Argentina, featuring five members of the 2004 squad who won gold in Athens, kept pace until midway through the third quarter when LeBron James and Kevin Durant powered an American spurt that effectively killed off the game, and they piled on the points down the stretch.

Dunk for glory: USA's Kevin Durant scores against Argentina

Dunk for glory: USA's Kevin Durant scores against Argentina

Kobe Bryant picked up where he had left off in his 20-point second-half explosion against Australia, scoring 11 points over four and a half first-quarter minutes to power the United States into an 18-6 lead.

Argentina replied with nine straight, bringing it back to 18-15 on a three-pointer from Andres Nocioni.

The United States led 24-19 at the end of the first quarter but Luis Scola quickly cut the gap and Carlos Delfino began raining in threes to keep it close.

That was James' cue to go off for a stunning seven points in 79 seconds to hand the Americans a double-digit lead, 37-27.

Final chance: Durant jumps for the ball during a men's semi-final

Final chance: Durant jumps for the ball during a men's semi-final

Fight for possession: Carmelo Anthony vies for the ball

Fight for possession: Carmelo Anthony vies for the ball

Another Delfino three and one from Leonardo Gutierrez made it 43-35 and when Ginobili had another shot from range on the buzzer, Argentina went in trailing 47-40.

Ginobili started it with a three-pointer to give Argentina further hope, but then Nocioni was charged with a controversial simulation call, and the Americans capitalised on the free throws and extra possession to go 51-43 clear on Tyson Chandler's tip-in.

Ginobili was still battling, and he made a tough lay-up while drawing a foul on Bryant, making it 51-46 from the line.
Argentina responded to a pair of three-pointers from Kevin Durant with a Nocioni three and a Ginobili lay-up that made it 59-51.

We've done it! The US players celebrate after winning 109-83 against Argentina

We've done it! The US players celebrate after winning 109-83 against Argentina

But then the Americans exploded with a 13-2 run that saw Durant score six and James seven, putting them 72-53 up and effectively out of sight.

The game was over, and the Americans then started making it look easy with Carmelo Anthony pouring in three quick threes to put them 93-64 up.

They broke the 100-point barrier for the fifth time in their seven Olympic contests so far when James Harden hit a three with 2:52 left in the game and there were more big shots to come from Chris Paul and Deron Williams as the United States finished 18-of-42 (43%) from three-point range in the game.

Durant led the Americans with 19 points while James and Anthony had 18 each, James also collecting seven rebounds and seven assists.

Bryant added only two to his early haul to finish with 13 points, while Paul finished with 10.

The outstanding Ginobili had 18 points for Argentina, while Scola and Delfino added 15 apiece.

USA 119 Australia 86: Kobe Bryant helps Dream Team make basketball semi-final

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USA 119 Australia 86: Bryant sparks into life to help Dream Team make semi-final

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UPDATED:

23:55 GMT, 8 August 2012

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Kobe Bryant exploded into life in the second half as the United States eased into the semi-finals of the London Olympics.

Australia fought hard to keep the Americans in check, but had no answer once Bryant found his stroke.

The Los Angeles Lakers man had done little to live up to his superstar status in London prior to this game and reached half-time 0-for-four from the field and with as many fouls committed – 14 – as field goals made in the entire tournament.

On the march: US guard Kobe Bryant is challenged by Australian guard Matt Dellavedova

On the march: US guard Kobe Bryant is challenged by Australian guard Matt Dellavedova

But that changed in a big way in the second half as he made six-of-nine three-point attempts to fire a United States surge that killed off the Boomers.

Australia played the Americans hard in the first half but were let down by the simple things.

They reached the interval shooting just nine of 17 from the free-throw line.

Hitting the deck: US guard Deron Williams falls to the ground

Hitting the deck: US guard Deron Williams falls to the ground

They were also missing some straightforward lay-ups, with Patty Mills, Aron Baynes and Aleks Maric all guilty.

That allowed an American team hardly firing on all cylinders themselves to pull away gradually.

Deron Williams hit a pair of free throws late in the first quarter to make it 26-16.

Beating his man: Bryant passes the ball around the head of David Andersen

Beating his man: Bryant passes the ball around the head of David Andersen

Kevin Love made it 56-40 late in the first half, but Australia grabbed the last two points through Mills' free throws and then exploded out of the gates after the break.

Mills and Joe Ingles combined on an 11-0 run, with Ingles hitting back-to-back three-pointers to make it 56-53.

The game stayed close until Bryant came up with back-to-back three-pointers that had his team-mates off their seats on the bench as the lead moved to 70-58.

Closer to a medal: LeBron James and the rest of the USA team will play in the semi-final

Closer to a medal: LeBron James and the rest of the USA team will play in the semi-final

A huge slam from Durant made it 80-66 as the Americans stepped it up late in the third quarter.

Bryant continued to pour in the points, and then Durant, LeBron James and James Harden brought out the party tricks with a series of late dunks.

Bryant finished with 20 points, Deron Williams had 18 and Carmelo Anthony 17. Kevin Durant added 14, James 11 and Love 10.

Mills led Australia with 26 and Ingles had 19.

Frankel can set gold standard at Goodwood

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Forget Bolt and Dream Team, Frankel can set gold standard at Goodwood

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UPDATED:

22:45 GMT, 31 July 2012

It's the one sporting event this week where a wide-margin victory will definitely not be questioned.

Unlike a certain Chinese swimmer, Frankel's position as the world's best racehorse means a thumping success is expected when he attempts to extend his unbeaten record to 12 races in the Qipco Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Usain Bolt is a 4-6 chance to win the Olympic 100m, the USA's 'dream team' 1-10 to land Olympic gold in the men's basketball.

To be Frankel: Queally is expected to romp home at Goodwood

To be Frankel: Queally is expected to romp home at Goodwood

Both events are rated more of a contest than the Sussex with Frankel, last seen demolishing a stronger line-up by 11 lengths in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, trading at 1-20 to beat three rivals headed by Eclipse Stakes runner-up Farhh.

Jockey Tom Queally has attempted to dampen expectations but believes that, like an Olympic gold medallist, Frankel is in the prime of his career and a more formidable performer than the colt which won the Sussex by five lengths from Canford Cliffs last year.

Queally said: 'It is amazing to think that a horse so good can, like he showed last time, get even better. 'When you win the Queen Anne by 11 lengths, if that is not a peak I don't know what is.

'People talk about Frankel's physical side and he has a huge stride but he has the will to win like no other horse I have ridden. He puts his head down and gallops all the way to the line.

'Most horses would pull up, put their head up and think they have done enough. He just gallops right out – sometimes the biggest problem I have is pulling him up.

Dead cert: Frankel is more fancied to win than Kobe Bryant and Co

Dead cert: Frankel is more fancied to win than Kobe Bryant and Co

'But it's a Group One and there is no such thing as an easy or bad one. You try to find a horse to win one.'

With Cecil not well enough to attend Goodwood, the focus will be even sharper on the quietly-spoken rider. He admits it may only be after Frankel retires that he can appreciate the level of public adulation for the colt.

Queally said: 'Sometimes, it hard to grasp when you are that close to it but as time goes by I kind of get it a little bit more. I do appreciate it but you can't get too carried away.'

The Cecil-Queally combination dominated day one of Glorious Goodwood as Frankel's brother Noble Mission beat Encke by a nose in the Gordon Stakes and Chachamaidee won the Lennox Stakes by a length and half from Libranno.

Ladbrokes cut the St Leger odds of Noble Mission to 14-1 but first he'll run in the Great Voltigeur at York on August 22, the day Frankel is due to race over 10 furlongs for the first time in the Juddmonte International Stakes.

London 2012 Olympics: United States dream team given wake up call by Tunisia

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US dream team are given wake up call by African champions Tunisia

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UPDATED:

00:09 GMT, 1 August 2012

The United States wound up cruising to a 110-63 win over Tunisia, but not before the African champions had given them plenty to think about in a battling first half.

Although the Americans outscored them 64-30 in the second half, Tunisia surprised their opponents and the watching crowd with a start, showing no fear in the face of their more illustrious rivals.

Up for it: Tunisia's Salah Mejri, left, vies for the ball with US guard Russell Westbrook

Up for it: Tunisia's Salah Mejri, left, vies for the ball with US guard Russell Westbrook

On the ball: US guard Russell Westbrook

On the ball: US guard Russell Westbrook

Tunisia took the lead several times during the opening two quarters, and some of their determined offensive play drew approving nods from the American bench.

Makram Ben Romdhane went coast-to-coast to score a great dunk that made it 8-4, and although the Americans reeled off a quick six points, Tunisia were ahead again on Mourad El Mabrouk's three-pointer.

A great fast break gave Amine Rzig an easy basket and when Kobe Bryant fouled El Mabrouk, United States coach Mike Krzyzewski had seen enough and he hauled off his starting five.

The second unit responded to the Tunisian challenge, and reeled off 14 unanswered points highlighted by a three-pointer from Carmelo Anthony.

Impressive: Marouan Kechrid

Impressive: Marouan Kechrid

Kevin Durant, left, drives to the basket

King Kev: Durant, left, drives to the basket

But Tunisia refused to go away and two three-pointers in a row from Marouan Kechrid brought them back within six. A huge dunk from LeBron James only slowed their charge, and Kechrid hit from deep again to slice the lead to 35-30. This time the message seemed to get through, and the Americans finished the first half on a 11-3 charge.

They quickly poured in seven points at the start of the second half as it became apparent Tunisia's challenge was fading.

A long three from Anthony made it 63-36 but there was concern for the Americans moments later when Love came up hobbling from a contested lay-up, although he would later return in the fourth quarter after treatment.

Little and large: USA's Lebron James, right, and Tunisia's Marouan Kechrid

Little and large: USA's Lebron James, right, and Tunisia's Marouan Kechrid

With the result now beyond doubt, the Americans turned to their party tricks, with Andre Igoudala scoring the outstanding dunk of the night flying in from the wing, and Anthony Davis throwing down an alley-oop pass.

A three-pointer from Love moved the Americans into triple figures with four minutes still on the clock.

Love and Carmelo Anthony had 16 points each for the Americans, with Anthony shooting 100% with two three-pointers, two free throws and four from the paint.

Anthony Davis was also a perfect five-of-five with two free throws for 12 points, and Kevin Durant had 13.

The excellent Ben Romdhane had 22 points for Tunisia.

London 2012 Olympics: He Zi wins record third synchro diving title

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Diving in to the history books: Chinese synchro star Zi picks up golden hat-trick

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UPDATED:

16:22 GMT, 29 July 2012

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China’s Wu Minxia secured her place in Olympic history with a hat-trick of springboard synchro titles alongside He Zi at Sunday’s opening diving event at the Aquatics Centre.

Wu cemented her place as one of the greatest female divers of all time as she also drew level with former synchro partner Guo Jingjing, who she teamed up with to win the past two Olympic crowns, with a record six medals at the Games.

The 26-year-old is set to surpass that mark next week, when she and He go head-to-head in the individual springboard.

Solid gold: He Zi and Wu Minxia with their medals

Solid gold: He Zi and Wu Minxia with their medals

This afternoon they were comfortable winners, leading after all five rounds to finish with a gap of 24.30 points from nearest rivals Abigail Johnston and Kelci Bryant from the United States.

Canada’s Emilie Heymans and Jennifer Abel took bronze to ensure Heymans became the first diver to win a medal at four consecutive Olympics.

British duo Becky Gallantree and Alicia Blagg had to be content with seventh place in the eight-team final as a couple of errors cost them after being fourth after two rounds.

The plunge: Minxia (left) and He Zi (right)

The plunge: Minxia (left) and He Zi (right)

The City of Leeds pair both missed their third dive, a front two-and-a-half somersaults, before 15-year-old Olympic debutant Blagg came out too late on the final dive to leave them down the rankings.

'We were really happy with the first two dives but then I missed my last dive and my third,' said Blagg.

'It was my first Games, it was just an absolutely incredible experience. The whole crowd was incredible.

In sync: The Chinese pair in flight

In sync: The Chinese pair in flight

'Hopefully I’ve got many more Games in me to improve on this and the dives I’m not confident on.'

While small sections of the 17,500 capacity Aquatics Centre were left empty the duo still enjoyed a boisterous home support that Gallantree, competing at her second Olympics, admitted she was blown away by.

'It was absolutely incredible. The crowd out there was just mind-blowing. It was really, really fantastic,' the 27-year-old said.

'It just made us smile. We were grinning at each other.The result could have been better but there were a lot of positives in there.'

London 2012 Olympics: Team USA certain for basketball gold

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USA are certain for men and women's b'ball gold – unless the bus gets lost

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UPDATED:

01:55 GMT, 28 July 2012

It comes as no surprise to hear that the Americans, men and women, are favourites for gold in the basketball.

But London’s bus drivers appear to have been doing their best to give everyone else a chance against Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and their Dream Team colleagues.

On Friday the Americans were late for their media conference at the main press centre.

Leading line: The United States basketball team are the hot, hot favourites for gold in London

Leading line: The United States basketball team are the hot, hot favourites for gold in London

‘Our bus has been lost on every leg of every trip we have been on so far in London,’ said men’s coach Mike Krzyzewski ahead of Sunday's opening group match against France. ‘That is the one consistent factor of every leg of every trip — our bus driver has been lost.’

Luckily, Krzyzewski has more faith in his team.

‘If we put in a steadfast, resolute performance, then we will do perfectly well,’ he said.

But on this occasion the American women are more of a cert than the men. The men face a decent challenge from Spain, Brazil and Argentina. The women might be tested by Australia, but few others, if any.

Getting ready: The finishing touches are being added to the Olympic arena hosting the basketball

Getting ready: The finishing touches are being added to the Olympic arena hosting the basketball

Being such clear favourites does bring
pressure, though. ‘We get asked about it wherever we go and we get told
we’re the most prohibitive favourites in any sport in any event at the
Olympics,’ said US women’s coach Geno Auriemma, a straight-talking
58-year-old, born in Italy but raised just outside Philadelphia.

‘But one of the things I try to teach is that pressure is something other people put on you. The real pressure is on some of the teams in our pool to beat us because they all know it’s very difficult to beat the US.

‘Real pressure is when you lose your job and have to pay your mortgage, or if you’re a single mum wondering if you can afford to pay for your kids’ education. That’s real pressure.

‘If you’re playing a game you love and which you know you’re better at than most other teams, there’s something wrong if you think that’s pressure.

Star man: LeBron James is expected to light up London, especially with a big NBA season behind him

Star man: LeBron James is expected to light up London, especially with a big NBA season behind him

‘If we were to lose a game at the Olympics, they’d still let us back into the country. They might not talk to us, but they wouldn’t take away our passports!’

In Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird and Candace Parker, a 6ft 4in centre who once won a prestigious national high school slam dunk contest against male competitors, the USA boast athletes with a high profile even in the male-dominated world of American team sports.

The USA launch their bid for a fifth straight gold medal against Croatia this afternoon, while Australia’s meeting with Great Britain has the potential to be one of the most intriguing games of the tournament.

Great Britain 78 USA 118: LeBron James and Co too good for Olympic hosts

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Great Britain 78 USA 118: Money men too flash for rookie Brits

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UPDATED:

21:38 GMT, 19 July 2012

As the USA emerged, everyone in the sold-out Manchester Arena turned to their end of the court; camera phones flashed and messages were tweeted, recording the moment 160million worth of wage packets loped out in front of them.

Since the 1936 Olympics, the USA's men have won 13 gold medals in 16 attempts, losing only five of 127 games.

Great Britain, meanwhile, have not fielded an Olympic basketball team since 1948.

Stars and Stripes: The USA were just too good for the hosts in the Olympic warm-up match

Stars and Stripes: The USA were just too good for the hosts in the Olympic warm-up match

Lionel Price, 85, Britain's only surviving basketball Olympian, was present looking, understandably, a little bewildered. He was given a bus pass to get to Harringay Arena 64 years ago.

The USA may have won this exhibition match comfortably but, as all parties kept saying beforehand, it was certainly a 'big deal'.

British basketball started from nothing only five years ago, but last night hosted the defending Olympic champions just days before a home Olympics. That is a big deal.

Some of Britain's own famous sporting names, including Joleon Lescott, Fabr ice Muamba, Darren Fletcher and Amir Khan, were court-side.

Testing times: Great Britain were competitive but were outclassed by the NBA superstars

Testing times: Great Britain were competitive but were outclassed by the NBA superstars

Testing times: Great Britain were competitive but were outclassed by the NBA superstars

We think our Premier League stars are well paid, but the NBA is another level: Kobe Bryant earns around 19.6m a year, plus around 18m in sponsorship deals. LeBron James's annual salary is around 10.4m, with 21m coming in from other commercial interests.

King James could not have looked less interested in proceedings in the warm-up, but for the six minutes and 53 seconds he was on the court in the first quarter he was on another level: fizzing a pass out to the right and collecting rebounds at will.

In the second he coasted towards the basket quite brilliantly and he was showboating by the third, darting in from the right and hanging on the rim.

Court side: Stars including Jordan Henderson, Fabrice Muamba (above) and Danny Cipriani with Harry Kewell (below) were in attendance

Court side: Stars including Jordan Henderson, Fabrice Muamba (above) and Danny Cipriani with Harry Kewell (below) were in attendance

Court side: Stars including Jordan Henderson, Fabrice Muamba (above) and Danny Cipriani with Harry Kewell (below) were in attendance

James, 27, isn't the tallest – 7ft 1in Tyson Chandler takes that honour – but the Olympic Games may not see a more imposing athlete.

Great Britain could not quite match their female counterparts' lightning start on Wednesday night, but they did score first. Joel Freeland broke quickly to capitalise on Pops Mensah-Bonsu's rebound.

London-born Mensah-Bonsu has played 61 games for five NBA teams and certainly looked at home in such esteemed company, snapping up rebounds and yelling 'C'mon Kobe!' when he was penalised for fouling Bryant in the second quarter.

Full house: The manchester Arena was packed to watch Deng and Co take on the Americans

Full house: The manchester Arena was packed to watch Deng and Co take on the Americans

The 28-year-old Freeland and Chicago Bulls and NBA All-Star Luol Deng certainly hold the key to Great Britain's challenge in London.

There was no chance of the USA letting Great Britain off lightly. Maybe, just maybe, this was a 'big deal' for them, too.

London 2012 Olympics: USA v Team GB basketball

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Team GB basketball face 160m men who want more gold

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UPDATED:

21:58 GMT, 18 July 2012

Twelve men with combined annual earnings of 160million start their bid for Olympic gold on these shores on Thursday.

The United States’ men’s basketball team, the highest earners at the London 2012 Games, face Team GB in Manchester.

These American multimillionaires may not exemplify the true spirit of the Olympics in some people’s eyes, but suggest they will take it lightly at your peril.

Big bucks: Kobe Bryant is the highest paid NBA player

Big bucks: Kobe Bryant is the highest paid NBA player

Kobe Bryant, the NBA’s highest paid player with a salary of 16.6m plus sponsorship deals totalling a further 18m a year, labelled the idea that the Olympics should be an Under 23 tournament as ‘stupid’ and ‘dumb’.

‘It should be a player’s choice,’ said the LA Lakers guard, 33. ‘This is it for us. Representing your country is always a huge honour, particularly on a global stage.

ANNUAL SALARIES OF THE USA STARS

16.6m K Bryant (LA Lakers)
10.9m D Williams (Brooklyn)
9.5m C Anthony (NY Knicks)
9.4m A Iguodala (Philadelphia)
8.7m T Chandler (NY Knicks)
8.4m C Paul (LA Clippers)
8.3m L James (Miami Heat)
8.2m R Westbrook (Oklahoma)
8m K Durant (Oklahoma)
3.7m J Harden (Oklahoma)
2.9m K Love (Minnesota)
2.7m A Davis (New Orleans)

‘We are going to play hard. When you have this kind of talent and we got here by hard work, the only thing we know how to do is play hard. For us it is either win the gold or don’t come back. They might revoke our citizenship.’

The USA came back from a disappointing bronze medal in Athens in 2004 to win gold in Beijing four years ago. New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, 28, is one of five survivors from that team, along with Bryant, Chris Paul, Deron Williams and LeBron James, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, who will compete in his third Olympics.

Great Britain has its own NBA star, too: Chicago Bulls’ Luol Deng, who grew up in Brixton, south London. And 6ft 11ins GB forward Joel Freeland, 25, has just signed a three-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.

‘It’s a big deal,’ said Anthony. ‘It’s the pinnacle of all sporting events, for any sportsman.

The opposition: LeBron James (left) and Kevin Durant (right) in training

The opposition: LeBron James (left) and Kevin Durant (right) in training

‘My first memory of the Olympics was ’92. That’s the first time everybody started paying attention to basketball, from a global standpoint.

‘That “Dream Team” really paved the way for us, as basketball players, to be able to come over and really do what we’re able to do right now.’

The sight of global superstars such as Bryant and James casually shooting hoops in the middle of Manchester yesterday was a slightly surreal one. Security was particularly over-zealous with such valuable sporting assets to protect, but Bryant, a Manchester United fan, seemed relaxed amid the flashbulbs.

Respect: Bryant likes David Beckham (left)

Respect: Bryant likes David Beckham (left)

James, whom Wimbledon finalist Andy Murray cited as his inspiration after he won his first NBA title with Miami Heat this year, was rather less obliging. Perhaps the Liverpool shareholder was feeling slightly more uncomfortable in this part of Lancashire.

Bryant, however, has been able to call on a certain United old boy, David Beckham, for advice. The LA Galaxy midfielder has been giving him tips to help him combat the English weather.

‘I love Becks,’ said Bryant. ‘I tease him all the time about the Olympics coming up. I would love to have seen him have some type of role in the (Team GB football) team, for just his leadership and intelligence. But he is going to be pretty busy in terms of being an ambassador.

‘We talked a little bit about the English weather. That was the thing I needed the most help on — packing. The rain I don’t mind — it is a little chilly, though.’