LeBron James to Represent USA as Flag Bearer in Paris
LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has been selected by his fellow American athletes to carry the flag for the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics. James expressed his pride in representing his country on such a significant global stage, highlighting the honor as a meaningful milestone for himself, his family, and his community in Akron. He emphasized the unifying power of sports and his excitement about participating in this monumental event.
NBA Stars Leading Their Countries
LeBron James isn’t the only NBA player honored as a flag bearer this year. Giannis Antetokounmpo will lead Greece, while Dennis Schroder will carry the flag for Germany. This year’s unique opening ceremony will take place on the Seine River, providing these athletes with the remarkable experience of leading their delegations by boat.
A Legacy of Basketball Flag Bearers
As we look forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics, here’s a reflection on past NBA and WNBA players who have had the honor of being flag bearers:
- Carlos Arroyo, Puerto Rico (2004): Arroyo led Puerto Rico to a memorable victory over Team USA in the 2004 Athens Olympics and carried the flag for his country at the opening ceremony.
- Miranda Ayim, Canada (2021): Ayim, a key figure in Canadian women’s basketball, was the first basketball player to carry the flag for Canada at the Tokyo Olympics.
- Sue Bird, USA (2021): The WNBA’s all-time assists leader, Bird, carried the flag for the United States in Tokyo and helped the team secure its seventh consecutive gold medal.
- Pau Gasol, Spain (2012): The Hall of Famer led Spain’s procession in London, guiding the team to a silver medal that year.
- Andrew Gaze, Australia (2000): Gaze, a legend in Australian basketball, led his country’s delegation during the Sydney Olympics.
- Manu Ginobili, Argentina (2008): Ginobili, instrumental in Argentina’s gold medal victory in 2004, carried the flag for his country in Beijing.
- Rui Hachimura, Japan (2021): Hachimura led Japan’s delegation in Tokyo, marking the team’s first Olympic appearance since 1976.
- Lauren Jackson, Australia (2012): Jackson, a prolific scorer in Olympic women’s basketball, carried the flag for Australia in London and is set for her fifth Olympic appearance.
- Sarunas Jasikevicius, Lithuania (2008): Jasikevicius, a standout in international basketball, was Lithuania’s flag bearer in Beijing.
- Yi Jianlian, China (2012): Jianlian, a legend in Chinese basketball, led his country’s delegation at the London Olympics.
- Andrei Kirilenko, Russia (2012): Kirilenko, a key player in Russia’s bronze medal win, carried the flag in London.
- Patty Mills, Australia (2021): Mills became the first Indigenous Australian to carry the flag and led the Boomers to their first Olympic medal in Tokyo.
- Yao Ming, China (2004, 2008): Yao Ming is the only basketball player to be a flag bearer twice, leading China in both Athens and Beijing.
- Dirk Nowitzki, Germany (2008): Nowitzki, one of Germany’s greatest basketball players, carried the flag in Beijing.
- Luis Scola, Argentina (2016): Scola, a pivotal player in Argentina’s Olympic successes, was the flag bearer in Rio de Janeiro.
- Dawn Staley, USA (2004): Staley was the first basketball player to carry the flag for the United States, leading the team to gold in Athens.
- Sonja Vasic, Serbia (2021): Vasic led Serbia at the Tokyo Olympics, adding to her accolades in international basketball.
These athletes exemplify the spirit and honor of representing their countries on the world’s biggest stage, continuing the tradition of basketball players being chosen as Olympic flag bearers.
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