LeBron James named U.S. flag bearer after Steph Curry and Team USA nomination: "We want to see him waving that flag"
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was named by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee on Monday as one of the United States flag bearers in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The designation came after Stephen Curry and his teammates on the U.S. men's basketball team nominated the 39-year-old James for the honor. Two-time NBA MVP Curry did the pitch on behalf of the entire team in a one-minute video.
"We understand how much of an honor it is to be in that position and I think LeBron's entire career on and off the court speaks for itself as him being worthy of that honor," began Curry.
James' career speaks for itself
Curry said LeBron started serving his country in 2004 when he was a member of the U.S. men's basketball team at the Athens Olympics. Twenty years later, he will be looking to win his fourth medal for the United States after the bronze in '04 and the gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
But more than LeBron's accomplishments in the NBA and international competition, it's what he's done on and off the court that makes him stand out. According to Curry, King James' commitment to service and uplifting his community is no secret, and the work that he has done can speak for itself.
"So between his I Promise school, the LeBron James Foundation, and all that he's done to impact lives or not just in the U.S., but around the world," continued Steph. "I think puts him in a position to be worthy of this honor, let alone the basketball [aspect]. So again, on behalf of myself and the entire team, we want to see him waving that flag."
First U.S. men's basketball player to receive such honor
And so, in what is yet another feather in the cap of one of the greatest sports careers of all time, Bron becomes the first U.S. men's basketball player to be accorded such honor. Dawn Staley in 2004 and Sue Bird in 2021 were also flagbearers for the United States during the Olympic opening ceremony.
"We all come from, you know, different walks of life, different cities, different upbringings," reacted James. "Think the last thing in our mind you ever have is carrying a flag representing our country during the Olympics. So it was never a thought. It was never a dream, but it's an absolute honor."
LeBron then proceeded to bail out Team USA again in their exhibition game against Germany in London. Like he did when they were on the verge of losing to South Sudan, he took over in the clutch and ensured that the Americans proceeded to Paris without a defeat. Hopefully, he will show up too in the games that really matter.
