Sometimes, life smiles at you. For Jayson Tatum, the NBA superstar, it can be said that life has given him a huge hug. The young forward from Missouri is already dreaming of his second Olympic gold after a few months of absolute ecstasy.

"I know how much joy it can bring, and we as a team know how much joy it can bring to so many people back home," Tatum told BBC Sport in a recent interview. And despite the NBA Finals ending barely a month ago, Tatum's mindset has no limits: "We have a great opportunity."

"I remember when I was a kid, I loved watching the best players on Team USA having fun," Tatum confessed. Now, the United States aims to win its fifth consecutive gold medal. And Tatum seeks to achieve a unique feat by lifting both the Larry O’Brien trophy and the majestic Olympic gold within just a two-month span.

In Tokyo, for example, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, who could do it again by being on the Paris 2024 roster –, walked that glorious path. In 2016, only Kyrie Irving could boast of this achievement, starring for the champion Cavaliers and clinching gold in Rio de Janeiro weeks later.

Digging a bit further back, the name of the incomparable LeBron James emerges, accomplishing this feat as a champion with Miami and gold in London in 2012. However, it’s notable that despite the mix of stars gathered in Beijing 2008, considered by many the best since the 1992 Dream Team – none managed to link an NBA title with Olympic gold.

Nor in 2004, when the USA settled for bronze. And not in the 2000s, when no NBA champion was among the 12 who stood atop the podium in Sydney. It’s not easy to string together a ring and gold…

Therefore, Tatum, who is having his year, would join an exclusive and iconic list to further elevate his legendary status in NBA annals. Status that is set to be rewarded, according to analyst Adrian Wojnaroski, with a five-year, $315 million extension with his beloved franchise, the Boston Celtics.

"We have a great group of guys, all at different stages of their careers and with great personalities," Tatum said optimistically as he reviewed the American roster, concluding that “we need to be united to achieve the goal.”

Moreover, amid the political hurricane hitting the North American giant with the tense presidential campaign, the forward also hopes the team can provide some fun to society, which is “somewhat divided,” as Steve Kerr and Curry commented in an interview.

On the horizon for the American team is a short stay in London, where Team USA, both men's and women's, faced Germany in a total war that was caviar for the audience, to get in shape for Paris. Later, they will land in the French capital to ignite sparks in Group C, featuring Brazil, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan.

Though Tatum doesn’t forget his motivations to continue his quest for gold: “I’ll be bringing my mom to Paris, and hopefully, she can see us win another gold medal,” Tatum exclaimed, remembering his biggest fan, his six-year-old son Deuce, with whom he loves to share moments and experiences.