LeBron James chosen to bear flag for Team USA at 2024 Paris Olympics

For the first time in his career, LA Lakers star LeBron James was chosen by his peers to be the male flag bearer for Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Paris during the opening ceremonies next week. James, who is readying for his fourth Olympic games with Team USA, helped lift the U.S. over South Sudan this weekend.

At 39, James is now the third basketball player to earn the right to bear the U.S.A. flag at the Olympics, and only the first male. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley carried the flag at the Athens Games in 2004, years before Sue Bird carried it for the Tokyo Games in 2021.

James earned votes from his fellow athletes after his Team USA teammate, Steph Curry, nominated him for the honor.

“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,” Curry said.

“He has represented what it means to be excellent both on and off the court in his commitment to service and to uplifting the community in all ways that he knows how has been a lifelong passion. And the work speaks for itself.”

James: ‘This responsibility means everything’

James learned that he had been chosen to carry the flag for the opening ceremonies on Monday before taking on Germany in Team USA’s final pre-Olympics exhibition game in London.

“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.”

James enters the 2024 Olympics in Paris with two gold medals and one bronze medal for Team USA on his resume. He played on teams that won bronze in 2004 in Athens, gold in Beijing in 2008 and gold in London in 2012.

“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,” U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland said.

James and the female flag bearer, who will be announced on Tuesday, will represent more than 500 athletes competing for Team USA.