LeBron James, the NBA superstar who recently surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league's all-time leading scorer, has been selected as the male flagbearer for Team USA at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The 39-year-old basketball icon, an Olympic gold medallist in 2008 and 2012, was chosen by his fellow US Olympians to carry the flag during Friday's ceremony, which will take place on the picturesque river Seine in the heart of Paris. The identity of the female flagbearer is set to be revealed on Tuesday.
"It's an incredible honour to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together," AFP quoted Los Angeles Lakers power forward saying, according to a a statement from the United States Olympic and Paraylmpic Committee.
"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."
The opening ceremony of the upcoming Summer Olympics will break tradition by taking place along the Seine River, marking a departure from the customary main stadium setting.
James is not the only NBA star set to bear the flag for his country in Paris.
In addition to James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar who has twice been named NBA Most Valuable Player and led his team to the championship in 2021, will proudly carry the flag for Greece during the event.
