LeBron James 1st U.S. men's basketball player to carry flag in Olympics opening ceremony

LeBron James wasn't totally sure what the opening ceremony was all about when he was picked for his first Olympics in 2004.

This time, he'll be one of the stars of the show.

James has been picked by his fellow United States Olympians to serve as the male flag-bearer for the Americans in Friday night's opening ceremony for the Paris Games. He becomes the third basketball player, and first men's player, to carry the U.S. flag at the start of an Olympics, joining Dawn Staley for the Athens Games in 2004 and Sue Bird for the Tokyo Games that happened in 2021.

"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," James said. "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 39-year-old James got word of the honour Monday in London, a few hours before the U.S. men's team was scheduled to play its final pre-Olympics exhibition game against World Cup champion Germany.

Fellow U.S. star and first-time Olympian Stephen Curry, on behalf of the U.S. men's team, nominated James for the flag-bearer role.

"We understand how much of an honour it is to be in that position and I think Bron's entire career, on and off the court, speaks for itself as him being worthy of that honour," Curry said in the nomination video.

"He has represented what it means to be excellent both on and off the court in his commitment to service and to uplifting the community in all ways that he knows how