Basketball superstar Lebron James has been named as Team USA’s flag bearer at the opening ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Countries are allowed one male and one female flag bearer at the opening ceremonies, and the American woman that will join him will be announced Tuesday.
“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 in a press release. “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.”
James has two Olympic gold medals from the 2008 and 2012 Games and a bronze with the 2004 team in Athens. In 2012, he joined Michael Jordan as the only players to win an NBA MVP award, NBA title, NBA Finals MVP, and Olympic gold medal in the same year.
James skipped the 2016 and 2021 Olympic tournaments, both won by the United States, but will return for the 2024 Games, where early returns from his teammates are that he is still the team’s undisputed leader.
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He leads an American team that has the most superstars and is the most well-rounded in the tournament thanks in part by commitments from big men Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid. Embiid was born in Cameroon, but has dual Cameroonian-American citizenship.
But the most superstars doesn’t always guarantee dominance – the US needed a James game winner with 8 seconds left to beat South Sudan 101-100 last week in an Olympic tune-up game in London last week.
The US, though, are still the favorites to win their 5th-straight gold medal and 16th in 19 tournaments.
Only two swimmers have ever carried the American flag at the opening ceremonies: Michael Phelps in his last Olympics in 2016 and Gary Hall in 1976.
Lebron should be Chinas flag bearer for his continued commitment to ensuring no one in the league speak out in favor of human right in Hong Kong
It should be a track and field athlete, or a swimmer or a gymnast.
One of the classical Olympic sports.
Why is basketball even in the Olympics ??
I don’t understand how Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, or many other athletes were skipped over to choose LJ. Many American athletes have greatly participated, promoted and have been the face of the Olympic spirit over the years. LJ was a poor choice!
Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky weren’t skipped over. Each country gets one female and one male flag bearer. The female will be named today.
The athlete who does not stand for the American anthem will carry the American Flag. You can’t make this up.
There it is. It took me 3 comments down until I understood your prior comments that seemed to lack context. Now I know.
I am wondering if he is going to sit down when they play the American anthem during the team presentation before the game. I also noticed you have posted a historical photo of LJ…standing up!
LeFlagBearer
Pretty sure his name is LeJon Brames. This is awkward.
I also remember him saying if his gay teammates don’t tell him they’re gay, they’re not trustworthy.
Should have been Bob Bowman…….. OH WAIT!!!!!!!!! BOB FRENCHMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!