(Paris) Basketball superstar LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, will be the U.S. men’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Friday, the U.S. Olympic Committee announced Monday.
James, 39, was selected by the U.S. Olympic team to compete at the Games. The women’s flag bearer will be announced Tuesday.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States, especially in a moment that can bring the world together,” the Los Angeles Lakers basketball player said in a statement from the U.S. Olympic Committee.
“For a child from Akron [dans l’Ohio]”This responsibility means a lot to me, but also to my family, to all the kids in my hometown, my Olympian teammates and so many people across the country who have great aspirations,” added “King James,” who won gold with Team USA in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012, after having to settle for bronze in Athens in 2004.
“Sport has the power to bring us all together and I am proud to be part of this important moment,” he concluded about the opening ceremony which will take place on Friday on the Seine and not in a stadium, a first for a Summer Olympic Games.