Team USA and LeBron barely survive vs South Sudan in pre-Olympics embarrassment

It started with two huge LeBron James dunks and an easy 10-2 lead.

Then it almost fell apart for Team USA against little-known South Sudan in London, despite James’ team entering as a 43.5-point favorite.

What is supposed to be the best basketball team in the world was outscored 21-8 early in the first quarter on Saturday night inside a packed 02, couldn’t keep up with South Sudan’s attacking style, and seriously struggled in the first half.

Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid and James were barely enough for Team USA during an exhibition game with the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris just days away.

“I like those better than the blowouts,” said James, who scored a game-high 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting.

The King sank the game-winner via a driving layup with eight seconds remaining.

“I like getting tested, baby,” James said. “I like being tested — those are the best ones.”

South Sudan head coach Royal Ivey believed there was “contact” on a final shot for his team that fell short and handed the United States a tense 101-100 win.

“They (Team USA) were sleepwalking in the first half,” Ivey said.

Team USA coach Steve Kerr said that his squad was “embarrassed” at halftime.

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“What we’ve learned with USA basketball is that the game has closed,” Kerr said. “The game has gotten better across the globe.”

He added: “It was on me just not having the guys prepared.”

It was 58-44 South Sudan at the half, and Team USA was barely holding on before a crowd that featured Adele and Idris Elba.

Fans that began the evening by revelling in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch James and Curry up close soon began wondering if they were witnessing a stunning hardwood upset.

It took an inspiring third quarter from The King – who flexed and posed after a breakaway slam – to save Team USA’s pride.

South Sudan, which is located in East Africa, entered the break connecting on 61 percent of its field goal attempts while constantly racing past the United States in the open court.

Team USA was just 1-of-12 on 3-pointers, missed four free throws and committed nine turnovers.

Kerr was forced to bring James and Curry off the bench with Team USA trailing, and it didn’t get any easier for a loaded squad that has already been compared to a legendary Dream Team from 1992 that featured Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Charles Barkley.

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The reigning gold medal winners received little initial production from Devin Booker, while 12 first-half points from James could only keep Team USA within 14 points of South Sudan.

Curry appeared frustrated walking into the team tunnel at halftime.

Coaches Erik Spoelstra and Kerr later emerged in the middle of a private conversation, 20 minutes away from an outcome that could have dramatically changed the course of South Sudan’s basketball program, which features former college players and just a few who spent time on NBA rosters.

“One hundred percent it’s a blessing to feel a game like this,” Kerr said. “We know we’re going to feel it again. We’re going to be challenged.”

Carlik Jones played in 12 NBA games for three teams and spent last year playing in China.

On Saturday, the Louisville product scored nine points in the first half, while his team faced the greatest NBA 3-point shooter of all-time (Curry) and the league’s all-time leading scorer (James).

As the second half ticked away, Team USA players stood near the bench, trying to encourage their on-court teammates to get the most out of their all-world talent.

South Sudan — which like the US took the train to the 02 on Saturday — kept sinking 3 after 3 and led 68-60 with 4:45 left in the third quarter.

Embiid and James briefly joked and laughed, trying to lighten an increasingly dark situation.

But James — who was praised by Kerr for his brilliance and second-half leadership — was soon back on the court, saving Team USA’s night and preventing international hardwood embarrassment.

A 3-pointer by Booker tied the game at 76, leading to an echoing ‘USA, USA, USA’ chant in the arena.

Then the King took over, preventing an upset that would have been heard around the world just as the 2024 Olympics are set to begin.