Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been chosen to be the U.S. flag bearer, as he is the one who will lead the 592-member Team USA delegation during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Notably, the 4x NBA champion and 2x gold medal winner will be the first men's basketball player to ever have this honor for Team USA at the Olympics.
Leading the way for Team USA. 🇺🇸
Two-time Olympic gold medalist @KingJames has been selected as our men's flag bearer for the #ParisOlympics Opening Ceremony. pic.twitter.com/NN4NLWwwfc
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 22, 2024
Stephen Curry, LeBron's teammate and fellow Akron, Ohio native, broke the news to him.
"You got that honor, so you get to wave the flag in Paris, my man," Curry said as the team congratulated their 39-year-old captain.
Fit to lead 👑
The moment LeBron James found out he will be the first 🇺🇸 #USABMNT athlete to serve as a @TeamUSA Flag Bearer. pic.twitter.com/kEWK45BBQH
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 22, 2024
Just a kid from Akron leading his country at the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
🇺🇸 @KingJames x #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/bcvcVj6o9U
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 22, 2024
"It's an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together," James said. "For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I'm proud to be a part of this important moment."
This is forever 👑
🇺🇸 @KingJames will lead the 592-member @TeamUSA delegation at the #ParisOlympics Opening Ceremony! pic.twitter.com/dCONXrgyec
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 22, 2024
To note, LeBron was famously a part of the Team USA "Redeem Team," where he alongside Kobe Bryant led the Americans to a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Not to mention, during the 2012 London Olympics, LeBron and company also won gold.
During his Olympic career, LeBron has averaged 11.4 points (60% FG; 37.9 3PT), 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists in 20.4 minutes per game.
The Olympics opening ceremony will take place along the Seine river, as the countries will be introduced in boats; tune in on Friday, July 26 (NBC) to watch LeBron and the rest of the American athletes be welcomed ahead of the 2024 Paris Games.
