Team USA and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will serve as a flag bearer for the United States delegation at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
LeBron James, who will compete in his fourth Olympics, will serve as a flag bearer for the United States delegation at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced today.
LeBron James
| Team: |
Los Angeles Lakers USA |
| Position: | SF |
| Age: | 39 |
| Height: | 203 cm |
| Weight: | 113 kg |
| Birth place: | Akron, United States of America |
The Opening Ceremony will be held on Friday on the Seine River, beginning at 7:30 local time in Paris (1:30 p.m. EDT), and will be broadcast live on NBC.
USA flag bearers are selected by a vote of fellow Team USA Olympic athletes in Paris.
James, a two-time Olympic champion who helped lead USA Basketball to gold in 2008 and 2012, competed at his first Olympic Games in 2004, winning bronze as a 19-year-old.
Two decades later, James is one of the most prolific athletes in history. James, a 20-time NBA All-Star, became the NBA's all-time scoring leader in 2023, owns four NBA titles, and has been honored as NBA MVP four times.
"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. "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."
In Paris, James will join teammate Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns; 2024, 2020, 2016, 2012) and Carmelo Anthony (2016, 2012, 2008, 2004) as the only American men to compete in four Olympic Games. James, who has scored 273 Olympic points (third among all Americans), also owns a 2007 FIBA Tournament of the Americas gold medal.
"We are thrilled to announce LeBron James as one of two flag bearers who will lead Team USA in the Opening Ceremony and officially open the Paris 2024 Games," said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland.
"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 a remarkable journey together."
James becomes the first man and third member of USA Basketball to earn the honor of Team USA flag bearer, joining five-time Olympic champion Sue Bird (2020) and five-time Olympic gold medalist player and coach Dawn Staley (2004) as the only basketball players to have this designation.
James was nominated on behalf of the 2024 USA Basketball Men's National Team by teammate and first-time Olympian Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors).
The female flag bearer who will lead the U.S. delegation alongside James will be announced on Tuesday.
The 2024 Olympic Games are set for July 26-Aug. 11. The U.S. men open group play in Lille, France, against Serbia on July 28. They will then face South Sudan on July 31 and Puerto Rico on Aug. 3.
The USA Basketball Showcase, an exhibition series to help prepare USA men's and women's national teams for international competition, concludes today, July 22, when the United States hosts Germany at The O2 in London at 3 p.m. ET live on FOX.
Team USA basketball exhibition games schedule
| Game | Time | Date | TV | Score |
| vs. Canada | 4:30 a.m. CET/10:30 p.m. ET | July 10 | FS1 | 86-72 |
| vs. Australia | 6 p.m. CET/noon ET | July 15 | YouTube/FS1 | 98-92 |
| vs. Serbia | 6 p.m. CET/noon ET | July 17 | YouTube/FS1 | 105-79 |
| vs. South Sudan | 9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET | July 20 | FOX | 101-100 |
| vs. Germany | 9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET | July 22 | FOX | TBD |
Team USA basketball Olympics 2024 schedule
| Game | Time | Date | TV | Score |
| vs. Serbia | 5:15 p.m. CET/11:15 a.m. ET | July 27 | NBC/Peacock | TBD |
| vs. South Sudan | 9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET | July 30 | NBC/Peacock | TBD |
| vs. Puerto Rico | 5:15 p.m. CET/11:15 a.m. ET | August 2 | NBC/Peacock | TBD |
