TEAM USA announced that LeBron James will be the flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Friday.
The 39-year-old NBA icon hopes to lead the men’s basketball team to a fifth consecutive gold medal at this summer’s Games.
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LeBron was selected for the role after a vote from his fellow Team USA Olympians.
“It is an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially at a time that can unite the entire world,” James said in a statement.
“For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything, not just to me, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, other Olympians and so many people across the country with high aspirations.
“Sport has the power to unite us all and I am proud to be part of this important moment.”
READ MORE ABOUT LEBRON JAMES
This year’s Opening Ceremony will see thousands of Olympic athletes aboard a flotilla sailing along the River Seine.
Around 300,000 fans are expected to line the riverbanks as the athletes sail towards the Eiffel Tower.
“It has to be creative, it has to be different, it has to be spectacular and it has to be popular,” said Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris Olympic Games organizing committee. SHOVEL.
“Organizing a ceremony in the Seine is not easier than in a stadium, but it has more power.”
The female flag bearer who will lead the US delegation alongside LeBron will be announced on Tuesday.
James is heading to his fourth Olympic Games, but his first since London 2012.
He joins Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant as the only American men to compete in four Olympic Games, according to a Team USA press release.
LeBron and his star-studded teammates begin the gold medal game in Lille, France, against Serbia on July 28.
James, 39, is currently the oldest active player in the NBA.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, he won four championship rings and played in 20 consecutive All-Star Games.
He won gold medals in 2008 in Beijing and four years later in London, as well as bronze in 2004 in Athens.
USA Basketball Olympic Schedule
Men
July 28, 11:15 a.m. ET – USA vs. Serbia, NBC
July 31, 3pm ET – USA vs. South Sudan, USA Network
August 3, 11:15 a.m. ET – USA vs. Puerto Rico, NBC
Women
July 29, 3pm ET, USA vs Japan, USA Network
August 1, 3pm ET, USA vs Belgium, USA Network
August 4, 11:15 a.m. ET USA vs. Germany, USA Network
Despite his advanced age, LeBron has been the standout star in Team USA’s series of showcases leading up to the Games.
He hit a late layup against South Sudan on Saturday to complete a 101-100 comeback win, helping the U.S. avoid an embarrassing defeat.
U.S. coach Steve Kerr praised James’ leadership of the star-studded team, which also features veterans Steph Curry, Durant and Anthony Davis.
“He talks every drill,” said a relieved Kerr after the victory in London.
“The guy is amazing and I mean, I’ve known that forever, but to see it up close is really special.”
The Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics will be held on Friday, July 26th.
It begins at 12:30 pm ET, with around 7,000 athletes scheduled to take part in the floating spectacle.
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