LeBron James to Serve as U.S. Flag Bearer at Olympics
LeBron James, player for the USA men's basketball team and the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, will carry the flag for his country at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
James, a four-time NBA champion and internationally recognized figure in basketball, will lead the US delegation at the event held this Friday, July 26, on the River Seine in the French capital.
In what will be his fourth Olympics, after previously earning a bronze in Athens 2004 and two golds in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, James has been chosen as the flag bearer by the votes of the 592 athletes comprising the US team. The name of the female athlete accompanying him in this role will be revealed on Tuesday.
"It’s an incredible honor to represent the USA on this global stage, especially at a moment that can bring the whole world together. For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything, not just for me but also for my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, my fellow Olympians, and so many people across the country with big dreams. Sports have the power to unite us all, and I’m proud to be part of this important moment," James said after the announcement, according to a statement from Team USA.
The same statement included remarks from Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC): "Being selected by your teammates to carry the flag is a tremendous honor and a testament to LeBron's passion for Team USA and his dedication to his sport. We will watch with great pride as the flag bearers lead our athletes who are about to embark on an extraordinary journey together."
LeBron will be the third basketball player, and the first from the NBA, to receive this honor, following in the footsteps of players Dawn Staley (2004) and Sue Bird (2020); the latter being the most recent flag bearer alongside baseball player Eddy Álvarez.
