LeBron James found himself in a humorous and somewhat awkward situation during the 2024 Paris Olympics quarterfinal game against Brazil. As Team USA dominated the match, leading with a score of 114-80 with three minutes remaining, James misinterpreted a cheering crowd's reaction, thinking the ovation was for him. The standing ovation was actually for French swimming sensation Leon Marchand, who was being celebrated for his incredible achievements in the pool.
LeBron, accustomed to receiving adulation from fans worldwide, looked up at the big screen and saw the crowd giving a standing ovation. Confident that the applause was directed at him, he performed his signature move, mimicking the act of placing a crown on his head. This gesture, which symbolizes his "King James" persona, was a typical display of confidence from the basketball legend.
Marchand, only 22 years old, had won 4 gold medals in the Olympics, including the 200m breaststroke, 200m butterfly, 200m medley, and 400m medley. His performances had drawn comparisons to the legendary Michael Phelps, making him a national hero in France.
The commentators, who had access to different camera angles, quickly clarified the mix-up, pointing out that the applause was for Marchand and not for James. This revelation added a layer of humor to the situation, as LeBron's confident crowning gesture was caught on camera, making it an instant viral moment.
Despite the mix-up, LeBron took the incident in stride, even laughing it off later. His focus, along with the rest of Team USA, remained on the task at hand—securing a victory over Brazil and advancing to the semifinals. Team USA did just that, winning convincingly with a final score of 122-87.
Devin Booker led the charge with 18 points, Joel Embiid contributed 14 points and 7 rebounds, and LeBron James showcased his playmaking skills with 12 points, 9 assists, and 3 steals. The team's impressive performance ensured their place in the semifinals, where they would face Serbia.
LeBron's lighthearted moment amidst the intensity of Olympic competition served as a reminder of the human side of these athletes. While they strive for excellence and focus on their goals, they can still find humor and humility in unexpected situations. As for Marchand, his achievements in the pool and the heartfelt recognition from the crowd highlighted the unity and sportsmanship that the Olympics are all about.
LeBron James Gets 4 Stitches
LeBron James needed four stitches after getting hit with an inadvertent elbow to his eye during the third quarter of Team USA men's basketball's 122-87 win over Brazil in the quarterfinals of the Summer Olympics in Paris on Tuesday. United States head coach Steve Kerr relayed the news to reporters following the game . James also confirmed that he is fine.
James left the court for the locker room to get stitched up and returned to the sidelines by the end of the fourth quarter. However, he did not return to the game. Team USA had the win well in hand by that point, leading 63-36 at halftime and 94-71 going into the fourth.
During the third quarter, James was hit by Brazil’s Georginho de Paula’s elbow as the two struggled for a rebound, which knocked the Los Angeles Lakers forward to the ground. De Paula could be seen apologizing while the American superstar clutched his face.
James played only 17 minutes but still finished with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 3 rebounds. It was another great win for Team USA, which is now 4-0 in the Olympics after outscoring its opponents by an average of 24.75 points.
In addition to James' injury, Joel Embiid , the 7-foot Philadelphia 76ers center, also sat out the second half of the game after telling Kerr he had ankle pain. Despite putting up a solid 14 points during that first half, Embiid was again met by jeers from French fans angry that the Cameroonian-American chose to play for the U.S. after also receiving French citizenship in 2022.
Team USA is attempting to win its fifth straight gold at the Summer Games—which would be LeBron’s third on the world stage. They will move on to the semifinals on Thursday, where they will play powerhouse Serbia, led by NBA star and current MVP Nikola Jokic.
This incident is a testament to LeBron's resilience and commitment to his team. Despite the injury, he managed to contribute significantly to the team's success and is expected to continue playing a vital role as Team USA progresses in the tournament.
Related: LeBron James Posts Picture With Daughter Zhuri With Wholesome Caption
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