SUMMARY
- LeBron James becomes the first American male basketball player to be Team USA's flag bearer.
- This is an honor even Michael Jordan never had during his career.
LeBron James never fails to be an icon in the sports industry despite living through three decades of newcomers in various sports all over the world. The 39-year-old still seems to be at the peak of his career despite being at the tail end of it. A couple of months ago, James committed to Team USA Basketball for the 2024 Paris Olympics which also features a roster filled with legendary athletes from the NBA.
BREAKING: LeBron James makes history by becoming the first male basketball player to bear the flag at the Olympic Opening Ceremony. 👑 pic.twitter.com/Qfx8DkxbBV
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 26, 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers star was also bestowed the opportunity to be Team USA’s flag bearer at the Olympic opening ceremony. James is the first-ever American male basketball athlete to do so. This is something even Michael Jordan didn’t have the opportunity to do during his heydays. The ceremony was nothing short of spectacular.
Fans react to LeBron James making history at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics
It was truly an iconic moment while LeBron James made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony while baring the flag alongside tennis prodigy Coco Gauff. Fans reacted to the historic moment saying, “LeBron James looks like he just founded America.” Another fan added, “General LeBron James crossing the Delaware.”
LeBron James looks like he just founded America pic.twitter.com/RZmyUjgen9
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) July 26, 2024
General Lebron James crossing the Delaware pic.twitter.com/NBhGaehd2C
— Drea Blackwell (@KSBWDrea) July 26, 2024
LeGeorge Washington
— Chris Nelloms (@c_nelloms) July 26, 2024
LeBron James invented the United States. pic.twitter.com/GvZx8Lfvti
— Barry (@BarryOnHere) July 26, 2024
That’s it. LeBron James aura will never be matched ever. pic.twitter.com/mQZ3UGKcIe
— Bron’s Best (@LBJsBest) July 26, 2024
James also commented by saying, “It’s a great opportunity for myself to continue to inspire the next generation, and [I’m] super excited to be here man.” Team USA has dominated the Olympics over their last four appearances winning four consecutive gold medals. It will be interesting to witness Team USA also feature veterans like Steph Curry, who is making his first appearance at the Olympics.
Will LeBron James and Team USA win their fifth consecutive gold medal?
So far, LeBron James & Co. have seemed very dominant. They won every exhibition game before the opening ceremony. However, there are a few concerns revolving around Team USA as they haven’t spent a lot of time training together unlike their future opponents. These players just went through an entire season in the NBA and they haven’t had much time to practice together.
Who’s beating the US Men’s National Team? 👀
(via @usabasketball)pic.twitter.com/9AQvUX0OCk
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 8, 2024
Additionally, they’re also dealing with an injured player who may or may not compete in the group stages. Kevin Durant has been dealing with a calf strain that’s kept him away from the floor during the friendly matches that took place in Las Vegas. The challenges don’t end there as several international teams have recruited more NBA players who have contested for high-level accolades in the league itself. Greece, Serbia, Germany, Canada, and France could be some of their biggest rivals this year.
