INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- LeBron James said Gregg Popovich's taking over as coach for Team USA basketball factors into his own decision to chase another Olympic gold.

"It factors a lot," James said Saturday, before the Cavs play Popovich's Spurs. "I've said that before. He's just a great mastermind of the game of basketball."

On Thursday, James said Popovich was the greatest coach in NBA history. So, yes, James would like to play for Popovich.

James skipped the 2016 Olympics after his sixth consecutive run to the Finals. He already owns two gold medals and would be 36 when the 2020 Olympics unfold in Tokyo.

Because he missed Team USA's run to gold in Rio, he's no longer No. 1 in U.S. Olympics for games played (24, t-2nd) or points (273, 3rd), but is still first all time in assists (88).

Popovich, 67, is taking over for Duke legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, who steered Team USA to three golds in 2008, 2012, and 2016. Popovich is a five-time NBA champion as coach of the Spurs.