MACAU, July 31, 2008 (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 Bryant supplied seven assists in front of 12,000 enthusiastic fans at Cotai Arena.

The NBA superstars started with a bang with James, Anthony and Dwyane 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 Dwight Howard was proving unstoppable and 'King' James lived up to his billing with a spectacular slam 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 tricks and Bryant bounced-passed under the net for a Carmelo Anthony slam 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 was his team's top-scorer 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.

The super-confident James has already promised they will deliver the Olympic title, although coach Mike Krzyzewski has rejected suggestions of complacency.

Bryant, who turns 30 during the Olympics, is probably facing his last shot at a gold medal and another chance to turn the page on the 2003 rape charges -- later thrown out -- which once threatened to derail his career.