LeBron James will wave the flag of the United States for the Paris Olympics, as he was chosen as Team USA’s official flag bearer for the opening ceremonies on Friday.
Team USA announced on Monday that the Los Angeles Lakers superstar will carry the US flag for the opening rites.
“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 statement posted by USA Basketball.
The native of the state of Ohio added, “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 made USA Basketball history as well as the six-foot-nine forward became the first male basketball player to be named flag bearer.
He is the third basketball star to be named flag bearer for Team USA in total, joining WNBA legends Dawn Staley and Sue Bird.
“We are thrilled to announce LeBron James as one of two flag bearers who will lead Team USA in the Opening Ceremony, and officially open the Paris 2024 Games,” said US Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland.
She added, “Being selected by your teammates to carry the flag is a tremendous honor – and a testament to LeBron’s passion for Team USA and his dedication to his sport. We will watch with great pride as the flag bearers lead our athletes who are about to embark on a remarkable journey together.”
It will be a well-deserved honor for 39-year-old James, who earlier hinted that the Paris Olympics might be his final run with USA Basketball.
First male basketball player to receive this honor in U.S. history. Voted on by his fellow Olympians. https://t.co/w0KLPHTwvb
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 22, 2024
As a national team player, James won three golds, the 2008 and 2012 Olympics championships and the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship title, and two bronzes in the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2006 FIBA World Cup.
The 2007, 2008, and 2012 golds saw him in only a few times basketball fans in general got to see him being teammates with Kobe Bryant.
LeBron James joins Giannis Antetokounmpo as NBA stars named flag bearers
James will not be the only NBA superstar who is tasked as a flag bearer for the Paris Olympics opening ceremonies, as Milwaukee Bucks main man Giannis Antetokounmpo is also named a flag bearer.
The Hellenic Olympic Committee already announced earlier this month that Antetokounmpo was unanimously selected as the male flag bearer.
Unlike Team USA, though, Greece already has a female flag bearer in race-walking champion Antigoni Drisbioti.
Team USA is expected to name its female flag bearer to partner with James on Tuesday.
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