Four-time NBA champion LeBron James is set to make history at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics after being selected as Team USA’s male flagbearer during the sports competition’s opening ceremony on Friday.
Per PEOPLE, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar’s selection makes him the first men’s basketball player to carry the flag of his home nation at the opening ceremony. The 39-year-old, who is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, was nominated on behalf of the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team by fellow teammate Steph Curry.
“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 released by Team USA.
“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,” he added. “Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
A video of James being informed about his role was shared by the Today show. “We understand how much of an honor it is to be in that position and I think Bron’s entire career, on and off the court, speaks for itself as him being worthy of that honor,” Curry said in his nomination video.
“He has represented what it means to be excellent both on and off the court in his commitment to service and to uplifting the community in all ways that he knows how has been a lifelong passion. And the work speaks for itself.”
Former WNBA stars Sue Bird and Dawn Staley have similarly carried the American flag at the opening ceremonies of previous Olympic Games. This year’s opening ceremony is also going to be the first time the event will take place outside an arena, PEOPLE reported. The athletes will board boats that will navigate down the River Seine and toward the Eiffel Tower.
James and the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team are tipped to win gold at the sports competition. The star-studded team includes Kevin Durant, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Haliburton, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and Devin Booker.
The others are Anthony Davis and NBA champion Jayson Tatum.
