Video: LeBron James Named USA’s Men’s Flag Bearer for 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony

Tyler Conway@@jtylerconwayFeatured Columnist IVJuly 22, 2024

Ryan Stetz/NBAE via Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will serve as the flag-bearer for the United States at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Team USA @TeamUSALeading the way for Team USA. 🇺🇸

Two-time Olympic gold medalist @KingJames has been selected as our men’s flag bearer for the #ParisOlympics Opening Ceremony. pic.twitter.com/NN4NLWwwfc

USA Basketball @usabasketballFit to lead 👑

The moment LeBron James found out he will be the first 🇺🇸 #USABMNT athlete to serve as a @TeamUSA Flag Bearer. pic.twitter.com/kEWK45BBQH

Olympic teammate Stephen Curry nominated James for the honor, which was voted on by his fellow Olympians. Team USA will announce the female flag bearer on Tuesday.

“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.”

James is the first men’s basketball player to ever serve as the flag-bearer for the United States. He’s the third basketball player overall, joining Dawn Staley (2004) and Sue Bird (2021).

This will be James’ first Olympics since 2012. He previously played on the bronze medalists in 2004 before returning in 2008 to win gold as part of the Redeem Team and again in 2012.

The 2024 Summer Games will serve as something of a swan song for James’ generation of basketball. He’s joined by fellow legends Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, giving Team USA three of the 15 greatest basketball players to ever grace the floor. All three superstars will be in their late 30s or early 40s for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, meaning this will likely be the last chance we’ll see them together in international play.

“No, I won’t be there,” James said. “I’m getting the hell out of that city when the Olympics come to Los Angeles. All right, I’ll live there all year. I will not be in Los Angeles in ’28. I’m getting out of there.”

Durant, meanwhile, is seeking to become the first men’s basketball player to win four gold medals.

The opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Games will take place Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET.