LeBron James with Team USA teammates (Photo via @usabasketball)
Basketball legend LeBron James has had many special moments in his over 20-year professional career. However, the honor of waving his country’s flag in the Olympics was one moment he hadn’t lived out yet. But the 39-year-old is set to live his dream as he has been voted by all members of the US contingent to be the flag bearer of Team USA’s men’s team.
LeBron’s Team USA basketball teammate, Stephen Curry, made the special announcement during the team meeting. A video of the announcement has surfaced on social media, capturing LeBron James’ raw reaction to the news. The clip, which has quickly gone viral, shows the Lakers superstar visibly stunned and emotional upon receiving the news.
James, who has been a cornerstone of Team USA basketball for years, will be playing his fourth Olympics for Team USA. In his previous three appearances, the 4-time NBA champion won two gold medals and one bronze while representing his country.
EXCLUSIVE: Steph Curry announces to LeBron James that he will be a U.S. Olympic flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony in Paris. #ParisOlympics
Watch LeBron's reaction.
🎥: Courtesy @usabasketball pic.twitter.com/ChUwipQ3lX
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 22, 2024
LeBron James To Retire From Olympics After Paris Event
Meanwhile, LeBron has confirmed that the 2024 Paris Olympics will be the last of his career.
“No, I won’t be there,” James was quoted as saying to TODAY’s Craig Melvin. “I’m getting the hell out of that city when the Olympics come to Los Angeles. All right, I’ll live there all year. I will not be in Los Angeles in ’28. I’m getting out of there”, he added.
At 39, LeBron is already the oldest player to represent Team USA in the Olympics. The Lakers star is third on the top-scoring list after Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony with 273 points. He will be eyeing to end his Olympic run with another gold.
