Very few players have all that it takes to make it to the Hall of Fame. When it comes to sporting stars like LeBron James, their legacy trails after them everywhere they go. The Olympic season is in full swing and so is James. His crucial supporting role and terrific performances helped the USA battle it out in the semis. Tough opponents in the form of Serbia were determined to give it their all to hang on till the very end. James and his team ensured that their hopes for the elusive golden glory stand dashed.

Having led the team with an impressive field goal percentage of 61.7% accompanied with 4.0 rpg and 21.8 mpg through five games (all starts) in the USA Basketball Showcase ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games, James’ outstanding track record has turned the world’s attention on his basketball legacy once again. With a game-high 20 points, including the team’s last 11, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in 18:38 resounding win against Germany and a total of 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in 23:26 notched against South Sudan, James was unbeatable as his team inched closer towards an invincible streak. The recent semifinal match only reassured the fans further.

The recent semifinal clash between USA and Serbia was a cut-throat. The USA court giants emerged unscathed from a close shave. On the First Things First channel, Nick Wright was all praises for the legend LeBron James and how he played an instrumental role in contributing to Team USA’s winning streak in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Wright’s appreciation for the NBA star went all guns blazing in the previous games against South Sudan and Germany as well.  Making a case for James’ performances in the last Olympic matches played by the team, Wright added how alongside Steph Curry and Kevin Durant, he made the greatest player on the team.

“Don’t think there is a better American basketball player”: Nick Wright heaps praises after LeBron James’ impactful legacy

This was a highly anticipated Olympics matchup which the fans had been looking forward to catch up with. And the team did not disappoint them even while battling an intense close chase from Serbia. According to Nick Wright, this was a performance befitting the legacy of a true champion player of the like of LeBron James who made sure that he saves himself from ‘killing’ his legacy where much was at stake.

Here’s what Nick Wright had to say as per his post match analysis :

“The US outscored Serbia 32-15 in the fourth. They were down 13.  Going into the fourth and with 4 minutes left, they were down two.  And their final 13 points- all of them were scored by LeBron, Steph and Kevin Durant. I like that the old guys were relied on at the end because Steph, LeBron and Kevin Durant are the three guys, mostly LeBron but those guys as well,  a little bit, who if they lose this game – the legacy is like they take a hit. For LeBron James it’s a killer.  For the other guys it’s a hit. You know what I mean. And so I like that these guys you know got to bring it home for us.”

For the earlier matches too, Nick claimed: “For LeBron’s legacy, this is unbelievable. Guys, he’s the best player on the Olympic team.”

Even Steph Curry admitted that it was a challenge to pull it off at the very last few minutes. “I’ve seen a lot of Team USA basketball,” Curry said. “And that was a special one.”

• The intensely competitive semi final match ended with the scoreboard recording 94-91 with the final whistle blowing. The USA team finished with a flourish amidst huge applause from the Paris crowd. Congratulatory posts poured on social media. Steph Curry’s iconic 16 point triple double led to the team’s comeback win. Sealing an elusive spot at the final clash, the team locked horns with the home favorites France where they were crowned the ultimate champions amidst fans wildly waving the USA flags and the US anthem playing in the arena providing the perfect podium finish!

Before leaving do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks and much more.