LeBron Tabbed as Flag Bearer for Team USA at Olympics Opening Ceremony

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will be the flag bearer for Team USA at the Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Paris, NBC's "Today" show announced exclusively Monday.

James won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020 and recently signed a deal to remain with the team earlier this month. The opening ceremony for the Summer Olympics in Paris is Friday.

This is the fourth time James is on the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team. He won gold medals in 2008 and 2012. The US team won a bronze medal in 2004.

"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 Monday. "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 will share the flag bearer honors with a female member of Team USA. She will be announced Tuesday. The flag bearers were chosen by a vote of fellow Team USA athletes through a process led by the Team USA Athletes' Commission.

Of the 592 athletes who are on the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team, more than 350 of them are set to participate in Friday's opening ceremony.

"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," USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland said. "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."

The U.S. men's basketball team opens against Serbia on Sunday.

James is a 20-time NBA All-Star, became the NBA's all-time scoring leader in 2023, has won four NBA titles and is a four-time NBA MVP.