There are few accomplishments in the game of basketball that Akron's own LeBron James has not achieved, but Friday's opening of the Olympic games will bring an opportunity for the four-time NBA champion to check off another box in an illustrious career.
James, a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008 and 2012), has been selected as the men's flag bearer for Team USA for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, according to a Team USA social media post.
"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 said in a statement released by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic 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."
James will be the first member of the men's basketball team to serve as a flag bearer for Team USA, in what will be his fourth Olympic appearance. Dawn Staley (2004) and Sue Bird (2021) previously served in the role for the U.S. Women's National Team.
The opening ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. ET Friday and will take place on the River Seine . Coverage starts at noon on both NBC and Peacock. James and his Team USA teammates will kick off their Olympic run Sunday with a game against Serbia starting at 11:15 a.m. ET on NBC.
The players on the men's national team representing the U.S. have a combined 10 Olympic gold medals between them, according to USA TODAY , heading into Paris:
* Each asterisk represents an Olympic appearance, including this year.
** Bam Adebayo , Miami Heat
** Devin Booker , Phoenix Suns
** Jayson Tatum , Boston Celtics
** Jrue Holiday , Boston Celtics
**** Kevin Durant , Phoenix Suns
**** LeBron James , Los Angeles Lakers
* Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Durant is a three-time gold medalist (2012, 2016 and 2020 Olympics), while Akron native James won gold at the 2008 and 2012 games. He won a bronze in 2004.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: LeBron James named Team USA flag bearer for Paris Olympics
