TEAM USA has announced LeBron James will be their flag bearer for Friday’s Opening Ceremony at the Paris Olympics.
The 39-year-old NBA icon hopes to lead the men’s basketball team to a fifth consecutive gold medal at this summer’s Games.
LeBron was selected for the role following a vote by his fellow Team USA Olympic athletes.
“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.
“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.”
This year’s Opening Ceremony will see thousands of Olympic athletes aboard a flotilla sailing along the River Seine.
Around 300,00 fans are expected to line the banks of the river as the athletes cruise toward the Eiffel Tower.
“It has to be creative, it has to be different, it has to be spectacular and it has to be popular,” Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris Olympics organizing committee, told AP.
“Organising a ceremony on the Seine is not easier than doing it in a stadium, but it has more punch.”
The female flag bearer who will lead the US delegation alongside LeBron will be announced on Tuesday.
James is heading to his fourth Olympic Games, but his first since London 2012.
He joins Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant as the only American men to compete in four Olympic Games, per a Team USA press release.
LeBron and his star-studded teammates begin their gold medal challenge in Lille, France, against Serbia on July 28.
James, 39, is currently the oldest active player in the NBA.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, he has won four championship rings and made 20-straight All-Star Games.
He won gold medals in 2008 in Beijing and four years later in London, as well as a bronze in 2004 in Athens.
Men
July 28, 11.15am ET – USA vs Serbia, NBC
July 31, 3pm ET – USA vs South Sudan, USA Network
August 3, 11.15am ET – USA vs Puerto Rico, NBC
Women
July 29, 3pm ET, USA vs Japan, USA Network
August 1, 3pm ET, USA vs Belgium, USA Network
August 4, 11.15am ET USA vs Germany, USA Network
Despite his advancing years, LeBron has been the standout star in Team USA’s showcase series before the Games.
He sunk a late lay-up against South Sudan on Saturday to complete a 101-100 comeback win, helping USA avoid an embarrassing defeat.
USA coach Steve Kerr has praised James’ leadership in the star-studded team, which also features veterans Steph Curry, Durant, and Anthony Davis.
“On every single drill, he talks,” a relieved Kerr said following the win in London.
“The guy is incredible and I mean I’ve known that forever, but to see it up close is pretty special.”
The Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics will be held on Friday, July 26.
It begins at 12.30 pm ET, with an estimated 7,000 athletes set to take part in the floating spectacle.
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