LeBron James will make more history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the first ever basketball player to be flagbearer for Team USA.
There isn’t much history left to be made for LeBron James in his career, but he’ll check a new achievement off his list this summer. On Monday, it was announced that LeBron would be the male flagbearer for Team USA, becoming the first basketball player to hold the honor for America.
He released a statement after being selected for the honor (via ESPN):
“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. 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.”
LeBron was nominated to be the flagbearer by Team USA teammate Steph Curry. Fittingly, it was Curry who made the announcement to the team that LeBron had received the honor.
Fit to lead
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 22, 2024
The moment LeBron James found out he will be the first #USABMNT athlete to serve as a @TeamUSA Flag Bearer. pic.twitter.com/kEWK45BBQH
It’s not unprecedented for a basketball player to bear the flag at the Olympics for a country as it has happened a number of times. In fact, Giannis Antetokounmpo will do so for Greece this year.
America has seen both Sue Bird (2020) and Dawn Staley (2004) hold the role as well at previous Olympics. Other countries have also seen men’s basketball players bear the flag, including Pau Gasol for Spain in 2012.
This is forever
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 22, 2024
@KingJames will lead the 592-member @TeamUSA delegation at the #ParisOlympics Opening Ceremony! pic.twitter.com/dCONXrgyec
Even if it is just a ceremonial honor, it is a great one at that as LeBron will lead the country into the Olympics at the opening ceremonies. It’s also a wholly deserved honor as LeBron is one of the faces of USA in what will be his final Olympics. The woman flagbearer for Team USA will be announced on Tuesday.
It takes a lot for LeBron to experience a first at this point in his career, but this is a pretty cool one to get to see in Paris this summer.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.
