LA Lakers superstar forward LeBron James made history by serving as one of Team USA’s flag bearers during the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, according to the four-time NBA MVP, he was unaware of the role’s significance before being selected to represent his country.
James fulfilled his flag bearer duty alongside American tennis star Coco Gauff during the July 26 Olympic opening ceremony. The duo led Team USA across France’s Seine River in unideal weather conditions to kick off the summer’s competitions.
In doing so, James became the first male basketball player to be a U.S. opening ceremony flag bearer.
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James later expressed gratitude, calling the moment “a great opportunity” to “continue to inspire the next generation.” However, it appears it took him a little while to fully grasp the honor’s magnitude ahead of the ceremony.
On Thursday’s episode of “The Shop,” recorded at the Olympics, James was asked about his “initial feeling” after being named a U.S. flag bearer. The 20-time NBA All-Star answered candidly, noting that he was unaware he was about to make history.
“I had an idea that I could be part of the finalists to carry the flag for our country, but, to be honest, I didn’t understand the significance of it,” James said.
“I didn’t know how prestigious it was and I didn’t know how much of a grand thing it was. I grew up watching the Olympics, but I didn’t grow up seeing who was the flag bearer or things of that nature.”
Nonetheless, according to James, after his teammates and family congratulated him, the role’s gravity started “hitting” him.
LeBron James says he was nervous about serving as U.S. Olympic flag bearer
While recounting serving as one of Team USA’s Olympic flag bearers, LeBron James added that he grew nervous minutes before the opening ceremony began.
“Once we actually got to the opening ceremony, and it was like, ‘Five minutes until it’s time for you to go up there and carry the flag,’ I started to feel very nervous. Super nervous,” James said. “I get nervous before every ball game, too, but this was different nerves. I was representing the entire country at that moment.”
Everything ultimately panned out for James. After leading the Americans across the Seine River, he and the U.S. men’s basketball team went 6-0 to secure the gold.
The gold medal victory marked Team USA’s fifth straight dating back to 2008. Meanwhile, James took home his third Olympic gold medal, and first since 2012.
Over six outings, James averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 66.0%. His dominant all-round play earned him Olympic MVP honors.
