LeBron James reflects on the surreal honor of being the first men’s basketball player voted as Team USA flag bearer for the Paris Olympics.

LeBron James

LeBron James made history this summer by becoming the first male basketball player to be elected as a Team USA flag bearer for the Olympic Games. In a recent interview on the ‘Gojo and Golic’ show, LBJ discussed the honor he felt when he represented his country.

As the rules dictated, Team USA selected athletes to bear the flag during the opening ceremony. The four-time NBA champion was voted alongside tennis star Coco Gauff. Moreover, he was also instrumental in winning the gold for Team USA.

I didn’t know how to feel about it. I had seen so many different flag bearers and so many great athletes carry our flag and represent our country… The moment just kind of hit me then. It’s something that’s super surreal. To be in the front of that boat, in Paris with all our Olympians, and holding that flag was just such a sense of pride.LeBron James on the ‘Gojo and Golic’ show

What was it like for @kingjames to be the flag bearer in Paris? 🇺🇸“It’s something that was super surreal. To be on the front of that boat in Paris with all our Olympians & holding that flag was such a sense of pride.” pic.twitter.com/jdanJYaLWR

— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) September 20, 2024

He also showed why he earned the honor on the court. He delivered an outstanding performance, where he averaged 14.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and a team-best 10.2 assists per game over six games. Furthermore, his contributions ultimately earned him the MVP of the Olympics, albeit in controversial circumstances.

Unfortunately, his Olympic run has come to an end, but fans will be thrilled that he left with a bang. Now his attention returns to his NBA career as his team, the LA Lakers are hoping to reestablish its dominance in the hotly contested Western Conference.

LeBron James saw his long held dream fulfilled when his son, Bronny James got drafted by the Lakers in the just concluded NBA draft. However, the decision has been met with intense scrutiny ahead of his NBA debut, despite the preseason being weeks away.

Not liking the scrutiny and criticism, Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal, came to the defense of both LBJ and Bronny. Shaq praised the rookie and wished him nothing but happiness while on the OGs podcast with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller.

Bronny has had to deal with critics and he didn’t help his case when his summer league outing started poorly. But he was able to improve and now with Shaq’s backing, he can add a legend to the list of friendlies that has his support.