This story was originally published by Dead Spin
Unless you live under a rock in the world of sports news, you’ve probably heard that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was selected to bear Team USA’s flag for the Olympics in Paris.
This is a great honor, as each country selects one individual to represent an entire nation.
And for the United States of America, there’s no better representative than the kid from Akron.
James stands for the American dream.
Born and raised by a single mother, James was able to overcome the odds and adversity with hardworking determination. Sure, being a naturally gifted athlete helped him transition seamlessly from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to the NBA’s brightest star, but James has been in the limelight since he was a teenager.
At some point, the temptation had to be there to take his foot off the gas. At some point, he could’ve turned to trouble or controversy, especially with the societal pressures of growing up in Akron. The young boy who had to move in with his youth football coach because of his own unstable environment is now a self-made billionaire.
He’s arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. He has four NBA titles, four MVPs, 20 NBA All-Star appearances and is already a two-time Olympic gold medal winner.
And at damn near 40 years old, he’s representing his country ahead of the Olympics because he represents everything we’re supposed to stand for.
James isn’t just the face of the NBA, either. He’s the face of American sports.
This Team USA men’s basketball team is loaded with young, fresh talent in their prime.
Remember when everyone was gushing over Anthony Edwards during the NBA Playoffs? How about reigning NBA champion Jayson Tatum, who tries to imitate the late, great Kobe Bryant at every given juncture?
It’s old man James who is carrying these young cats. James saved Team USA from what could’ve been one of the biggest upsets in basketball history, where they barely beat South Sudan as 43-point favorites.
Just after being named Team USA’s flag bearer, James bailed out Team USA again, rescuing the team to a victory against Germany.
On the hardwood, it could be difficult for Team USA to achieve gold. James teaming up with this young nucleus, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant could be the closest thing this generation could get to a Dream Team. But even head coach Steve Kerr admitted that the gap has closed for USA Basketball.
Regardless of what happens in between the four lines once the 2024 Paris Olympics tip off, Team USA can rest well knowing that James is a fit representative for our nation’s athletics.
