MACAU (AFP) — LeBron James and Kobe Bryant ran Olympic-sized rings around Turkey as Team USA stepped up their preparations for Beijing with a 114-82 rout on Thursday.
James, who has already guaranteed the long-awaited Olympic gold, was his team's top-scorer with 20 points as NBA MVP Bryant supplied seven assists in front of 12,000 enthusiastic fans at Cotai Arena.
Carmelo Anthony weighed in with 17 points, Dwight Howard slammed his way to 14 and Dwyane Wade underlined his recovery from injury problems with 13 points, including a spectacular dunk, in more than 20 minutes on court.
The 23-year-old James, who also supplied four assists, has emerged as a natural leader of the captain-less team and appears determined to land the title that eluded him four years ago.
"I've accepted the challenge to become a better leader. I haven't been afraid to lead these guys," he said.
"A lot of people would be afraid to walk into an arena and play with Kobe Bryant and play with Jason Kidd, Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard and be afraid to tell them something's wrong or be afraid to lead them, but it's kind of my nature."
Coach Mike Krzyzewski also hailed James' contribution after his return from a minor ankle sprain.
"There's no question that one of the biggest things for us is LeBron's leadership, no question about it," the coach said. "He's a natural, outstanding leader and it's showing."
The NBA superstars started with a bang with James, Anthony and Wade providing the initial fireworks. But Turkey's direct approach paid dividends as they drew a series of fouls to finish the quarter 31-30.
However, Orlando Magic centre Howard was proving unstoppable and 'King' James lived up to his billing with a trademark flying dunk, assisted by Bryant, as USA pulled away to lead 54-37 before half-time.
Turkey's turnover woes continued in the third quarter as Bryant stole the ball to set up another Howard slam. James took a cross-court pass one-handed and fed Bryant at speed for yet another as USA opened up a 20-point margin.
As the lead increased, so did the flamboyant tricks and Bryant bounce-passed under the net for Anthony as the USA entered the final period well in control at 87-59.
Wade and Howard kept up the pace in the last quarter as demoralised Turkey dropped off to finish 32 points back. Turkish guard Cenk Akyol top-scored with 22.
Team USA are bidding to end an eight-year international drought stretching back to the 2000 Sydney Olympics with embarrassing flops at Athens 2004 and two World Championships along the way.
They play Lithuania here on Friday before completing their preparations against Russia and Australia in Shanghai. Last Friday, they dominated Canada 120-65.
USA open their Olympic campaign against Yao Ming's China in a hotly anticipated clash on August 10. They also face world champions Spain, African title-holders Angola and European powers Greece and Germany in a tough Group B.
"If I had to pick a best player I would pick LeBron James -- he was stepping back and making fast breaks also," said Turkey coach Bogdan Tanjevic.
"I don't see China winning against them," he warned.
The super-confident James has already promised USA will deliver the Olympic title, although Krzyzewski has rejected suggestions of complacency.
Bryant turns 30 during the Games and is probably facing his last shot at a gold medal, which he rates as more important than the NBA championship.
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