With Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James entering the final stages of his career, an opportunity presented itself to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics and represent USA one last time.
Coming off an All-NBA Third Team nomination and playing 71 games at 39-years-old, James clearly still has plenty left in the tank. Last season was the most games he played wearing the purple and gold while averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists on 54% from the field and 41% from 3-point range, a career-high.
Seeing that production, many were uncertain of how assertive James was going to be for the United States given his age. But, in the first exhibition game, it became clearly evident that the four-time champion wanted to win gold.
Not only did he do that, but LeBron also took home MVP honors after a stellar tournament for USA Basketball.
Now that the Olympics have concluded, here are some notable plays for the now three-time gold medalist during the run in Paris:
USA down 1? LeBron got this.
(via @usabasketball) pic.twitter.com/EG5RRKvsJM
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) July 20, 2024
Get out the way, the King is coming through!
(🎥: @NBCSports) pic.twitter.com/rXRGXEwNeE
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) July 28, 2024
That Laker connection still hits in international play!
(🎥: @NBCSports) pic.twitter.com/lsdO8VY46S
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) July 28, 2024
LeBron and AD's chemistry >
(via @NBCOlympics) pic.twitter.com/8AZ5eAQMkA
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) July 31, 2024
LeBron James put on a show in the first half for the fans in France.
(🎥: @NBCSports) pic.twitter.com/VYMACHS3gV
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) August 3, 2024
Two-way Bron. 😤
(🎥: @NBCSports) pic.twitter.com/1SHoviDvU8
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) August 3, 2024
LeBron James with the lob to Jayson Tatum at the end of the half!
(via @NBCOlympics) pic.twitter.com/BziEilaita
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) August 6, 2024
LeBron James and Kevin Durant going to work early for Team USA. 😤
(via @NBCOlympics) pic.twitter.com/taDEeK5gtc
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) August 10, 2024
This pass by LeBron James to Devin Booker is one of the best you'll ever see.
(via @NBCOlympics) pic.twitter.com/0xG24ewBKc
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) August 10, 2024
After what transpired last summer during the FIBA World Cup, it was great to see James and company take this responsibility seriously. Ultimately, the Lakers star averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.3 steals in the six tournament games.
In the gold medal game, James put up 14 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals in 33 minutes. This undefeated Team USA run is another one for the history books and James ended his presumably final Olympic appearance on a high note.
LeBron James’ crown celebration voted among best on Team USA
While LeBron James is known for his play on the court, he accompanies it with some noteworthy celebrations. When his Olympic teammates were asked who had the best celebration, James’ crown celebration was voted among the best on the team.
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