USA Basketball Makes Big LeBron James Announcement Before 2024 Paris Olympics

On Monday morning, USA Basketball announced that longtime NBA superstar LeBron James will serve as the flag bearer for all of Team USA at the Opening Ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

With this honor, James becomes the first men's basketball player to carry the flag for the United States.

"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," the Lakers superstar continued. "Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”

James' longtime rival and USA Basketball teammate Steph Curry broke the news in a video that's going viral on social media.

“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,” Curry said. “And the work speaks for itself.”

While James is the first men's basketball player to receive this honor, two women's basketball stars have carried the flag in previous Olympics: Dawn Staley in 2004 and Sue Bird in 2021.

The Opening Ceremony for this year's Olympic Games will take place on Friday.