LeBron James is set to add another remarkable achievement to his storied career by serving as the Olympic flag bearer for the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chosen by his fellow American athletes, James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, will proudly carry the flag later this month.
“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 expressed 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. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
James isn’t alone in this prestigious role among NBA players this year. Giannis Antetokounmpo will carry the flag for Greece, while Dennis Schroder will do so for Germany. These athletes will lead their national delegations via boat, as this year’s opening ceremony will uniquely take place on the Seine River, flowing through the heart of Paris.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics festivities begin on July 26 at 1:30 p.m. ET, here’s a look at every NBA and WNBA player who has had the honor of being a flag bearer for their country at the Olympics:
- Carlos Arroyo, Puerto Rico (2004): Remembered for leading Puerto Rico to an upset over Team USA in Athens, Arroyo carried the flag at the opening ceremony.
- Miranda Ayim, Canada (2021): Despite a brief WNBA career, Ayim was a key player for Canada’s national team and became the first basketball player to carry the flag for Canada in Tokyo.
- Sue Bird, USA (2021): Bird, the WNBA’s all-time assists leader, carried the flag in Tokyo and helped the USA win its seventh consecutive gold medal.
- Pau Gasol, Spain (2012): Gasol led Spain’s delegation in London, winning a silver medal, one of his three Olympic medals.
- Andrew Gaze, Australia (2000): Gaze, a legend in Australian basketball, carried the flag at the Sydney Olympics and won numerous MVP awards in the NBL.
- Manu Ginobili, Argentina (2008): Ginobili, a pivotal figure in Argentina’s 2004 gold medal win, was honored as the flag bearer for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Rui Hachimura, Japan (2021): Hachimura led Japan in the Tokyo Olympics, marking the country’s first Olympic appearance in men’s basketball since 1976.
- Lauren Jackson, Australia (2012): Jackson, a dominant figure in women’s basketball, carried the flag in London and returned for a fifth Olympic appearance.
- Sarunas Jasikevicius, Lithuania (2008): A key player in Lithuania’s bronze medal win in 2000, Jasikevicius was the flag bearer for Beijing.
- Yi Jianlian, China (2012): Jianlian, a CBA legend, carried the flag for China at the London Olympics.
- Andrei Kirilenko, Russia (2012): Kirilenko led Russia to a bronze medal in London and was the flag bearer for the country.
- Patty Mills, Australia (2021): Mills, a standout in the NBA and for Australia, became the first Indigenous Australian to carry the flag and helped win the country’s first Olympic medal in men’s basketball.
- Yao Ming, China (2004, 2008): Yao is the only basketball player to be a flag bearer twice, leading China in Athens and Beijing.
- Dirk Nowitzki, Germany (2008): Nowitzki carried the flag in Beijing, marking one of Germany’s rare Olympic basketball qualifications.
- Luis Scola, Argentina (2016): Scola, a key figure in Argentina’s 2004 gold and 2008 bronze wins, was honored as the flag bearer in Rio.
- Dawn Staley, USA (2004): Staley was the first basketball player to carry the flag for the USA, a three-time gold medalist.
- Sonja Vasic, Serbia (2021): Vasic, a leader in Serbia’s 2016 bronze win, was the flag bearer in Tokyo.
These athletes have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also carried the honor of leading their nations at the Paris Olympics, highlighting the unity and pride that sports can inspire.
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