LeBron James, the forward for Team USA, celebrated his team’s victory over France in the men’s gold medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics held at Bercy Arena on August 10. On the final day of the Olympics, adorned with his gold medal, James enjoyed a family gathering, watching the women’s basketball gold medal game with his wife and daughter. Just the night before, the entire family was present to support James and the USA Basketball men’s national team, who secured the gold medal with a 98-87 victory over France.
Reflecting on what may have been his final Olympic appearance, James emphasized the importance of family as his motivation. “It means everything. It’s why I do it. I do it for my family,” he stated after the victory. He credited his wife for supporting him throughout his career, saying, “Without her, I wouldn’t even be in this position to be able to do what I do and love the game.”
James boasts an impressive collection of medals, including a bronze from the 2004 Athens Olympics and golds from the 2008 Beijing Games, the 2012 London Olympics, and now Paris. Over four Olympic appearances, he scored a total of 358 points. At 39, he averaged 14.2 points, 8.5 assists, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals during this tournament. He also received Olympic MVP recognition, surpassing notable players like teammate Stephen Curry and French star Victor Wembanyama.
“It’s an honor. I don’t know who the voting committee is, but I’m humbled that they voted for me. But it came with us winning gold and that’s what’s more important for me,” James remarked. He acknowledged the global nature of basketball, praising competitive teams from various countries and expressing hope that Team USA continues to inspire fans worldwide.
After a disappointing fourth-place finish in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, James announced his commitment to Team USA at the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend. He played a pivotal role in rallying fellow NBA stars to join the Olympic team, which featured a roster of 11 elite players including Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Devin Booker.
When asked if the Paris Olympics was his best, James responded: “It’s the best one because it’s the one that’s right now,” highlighting the team’s quick formation and preparation leading to their gold medal success.
Looking ahead, the next Olympics will take place in Los Angeles in 2028. By then, James will be 43, possibly retired from the NBA. When questioned about the possibility of participating, James stated, “No, I can’t see myself playing in LA. I also didn’t see myself playing in Paris. But four years from now, I can’t see it.”