Rusty Weiss
Four-time NBA champion LeBron James has been chosen to be the flagbearer for Team USA at the Paris Olympic Games. The honor was bestowed upon him by his fellow U.S. Olympians.
James is the third basketball player to carry the American flag at the start of an Olympics. He joins the ranks of Dawn Staley, who carried the flag in 2004, and Sue Bird, who carried it in 2021.
“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,” the Los Angeles Lakers star said in a statement.
The female athlete flagbearer for the U.S. will be announced on Tuesday.
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LeBron James Will Hoist The American Flag
LeBron James celebrated being named the flagbearer for the Olympic opening ceremonies on the river Seine later this week in his 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,” he beamed.
“Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
James is set to play in the Olympics for the fourth time. He has already captured gold in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. He was also part of the 2004 squad that won bronze.
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Is It A Surprise Pick?
LeBron James serving as flagbearer might be a surprise to some of his critics. He was heavily criticized months ago for sitting while the National Anthem played at a USC game while his son Bronny was playing.
James can be seen holding his daughter’s hand while walking to his seat. After a few seconds of getting situated, the two sit even as the song continues playing.
A reporter defended his actions as being necessary to avoid drawing attention to himself.
LeBron James and his Lakers teammates also famously took a knee during the National Anthem in the summer of 2020.
Now, he describes serving as flagbearer for Team USA as “an incredible honor.”
The opening ceremony will be held along the River Seine, marking the first time it has not taken place inside a stadium. The Parade of Nations will take place on the water itself, with boats carrying 10,500 athletes through the center of the city.
It should be an impressive display.