And we’re here! The 2024 Paris Olympics is officially underway. After the scenic opening ceremony along the Seine River, Team USA’s 592 athletes with numerous other officials and delegations are at the Eiffel Tower, led by LeBron James and Coco Gauff.

Stars were all around the All-Stars of the NBA and WNBA. From Snoop Dogg to Pharrell Williams to Lady Gaga, big names were in plenty on the glamorous Paris evening. But is there anyone bigger than LeBron James? Surely not. With the Team USA stars now touched down having sailed through the Seine, LeBron issued an inspirational message as the flag bearer of Team USA, making it clear why he is the leader of his troops.

The 2-time Olympic gold medal winner was nominated to be the flag bearer for his nation, making him the first-ever player from the NBA to have the honor. To express his immense pride, LeBron left a message for all the US citizens watching back at home. “I mean it’s great, you’ve been around your fellow Olympians, and us representing red, white, and blue, there’s no better time and a lot of respect to France Paris for giving us this opportunity to showcase our talents, but we’re here for USA, and we’re ready to go on and compete at a high level,” the Lakers legend said about his experience.

Along with LeBron, tennis star Coco Gauff was also Team USA’s flag bearer at the Paris Olympics. Just at the age of 20, Gauff had the opportunity to lead the Olympic contingent. The feeling of elevating their community was mutual between Gauff and LeBron. “It’s an honor obviously… For myself and Coco for us to be representing our country, us being black kids as well, representing our culture, representing where we come from, it gives everybody so much hope,” the NBA star further added, when asked about his pride in holding the star-spangled flag during the opening ceremony.

LeBron has always been that proud kid from Akron, Ohio despite all his success in the NBA and international basketball. At 39, the evergreen ace is probably in his final Olympics and nothing could have topped the pride of having the opportunity to lead the American contingent with the flag. It was a special occasion for LeBron and his message was only a reflection of his mindset.

LeBron James opens up about playing alongside the “new group of players”

LeBron James has handled the pressure of expectations throughout his career. Now as the most senior member of Team USA, the 20-time All-Star is focused on his goal of getting his 3rd and the country’s 5th straight gold medal at the event. “I think what’s different is always a new experience, new group of guys. Some guys have never been Olympians before. So you want them to see the whole, you know, the whole moment of, being here, part of Paris. So, it’s a great opportunity for myself to continue to inspire the next generation and, super excited to be here, man,” LeBron said.

In the video posted by Team USA, LeBron further emphasized the special moment he and his team experienced during the opening ceremony. “Like I said, I’ve been a part of, Athens, Greece, the Athens Games, the Beijing Games, the London Games, and now the Paris Games. And, you know, they’re always special in their own right. So, you know, it’s 2024, and this is another special moment, you know, not only for this country of France but also for us other Olympians that’s here, representing United States of America,” LBJ concluded.

Team USA will start their Olympic campaign against Serbia on July 28. Despite beating them during the pre-Olympic exhibition game, the team knows the challenge at hand with the increasing quality on the global stage. But with LeBron being a part of the team, fans will expect a high level of inspiration on the court.

To absorb more interesting stories, watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where the prodigy puts Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr under the pump with loaded NBA questions and more in this video below.