As reported on insidethegames last week, the Cleveland Cavaliers star will miss Turkey, which starts on August 28, because he plans to make a movie, Fantasy Basketball Camp, a comedy set in Las Vegas, during the summer and is also a free agent, which means he will be negotiating a new multi-million dollar contract.

Colangelo warned that if any player missed the Championships in Turkey then they could not be guaranteed a spot in the Olympics.

James said: "There's a lot that goes on with being a professional athlete other than just basketball.

"I think everyone in the USA knows what type of commitment these guys have made, including myself, since 2003.

"I'm not trying to bash Jerry or anything like that because he's a good guy and I respect him.

"I don't respect [the comments] because of the commitment we've all given to the USA."

James insisted that London 2012 is an important goal for him but he is not prepared to back down about playing this summer, even if it puts his place in jeopardy.

He said: "If that is the case, we'll have to see when it happens.

"If we're jeopardising being in London, what can we do?"


Related stories
April 2010: James warned London 2012 place at risk if he misses Turkey
February 2009: USA basketball chief wants to begin preparations for London 2012 early