LAS VEGAS (AP) — With Dwyane Wade out, U.S. players think Russell Westbrook can inherit his role on the Olympic basketball team.

Wade was the leading scorer for the Americans in 2008, playing an attacking style off the bench. LeBron James says Westbrook can do the same types of things.

"Absolutely, because he's that type of player," James says.

Wade is unavailable this summer after having knee surgery Monday in Miami. The U.S. will have to replace the 16 points per game he averaged in Beijing while playing a style that forced the tempo into the Americans' favor.

Westbrook says he will fill whatever role it takes for the U.S. to win.