LeBron James has made history once again, this time for Team USA.
On Monday, USA Basketball announced that James will serve as one of the two flag bearers for the United States during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday.
Flag bearers for the United States are determined by a vote from Team USA athletes in Paris.
Team USA will also have a female flag bearer, which will be announced on Tuesday.
The honor represents a history-making moment for James, who is heading to his fourth Olympics. This marks the first time a men’s basketball player has been named a flag-bearer for Team USA.
Women’s basketball stars have been named as flag bearers twice before: Dawn Staley in 2004 and Sue Bird in 2020.
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The 39-year-old James is one of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport. The Los Angeles Lakers star is a 20-time All-Star, four-time champ, four-time MVP and is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
“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 from USA Basketball. “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 and the yet-to-be-announced female flag bearer will lead the 592-member delegation of American athletes during the Opening Ceremonies on Friday. The ceremony is set to feature athletes going down the Seine River on boats before finishing at the Eiffel Tower.
Team USA Basketball will open up its campaign to defend the Olympic gold medal on July 28 when the squad takes on Serbia to start group stage play.
