With 88 days left to go, anticipation for the Paris Olympics 2024 has reached a fever pitch, especially with the return of the “Dream Team” featuring the men’s basketball team with an all-star lineup. After several top US players sat out the Tokyo Olympics three years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2024 edition in the city of love promises nothing short of spectacular.
The team is anchored by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, who is making his fourth Olympic appearance after skipping the past two Games since 2012 due to the pandemic and an ankle injury. With LeBron James back in the mix after 12 years, fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to witness history as the 39-year-old icon aims to shatter Michael Jordan and Larry Bird’s iconic Olympic records.
LeBron James set to make Olympic history with his return
In a recent post on X by NBC Olympics & Paralympics, a captivating collage of the ‘Akron Hammer,’ James, from all his Olympic appearances in 2004, 2008, and 2012 was shared. At 39 years old, James has already brought home two gold medals (2008, 2012) and a bronze (2004). His return to the Olympics marks a significant moment in his legendary career, as he is set to become the first American man to have an Olympic basketball career spanning 20 years. This feat will see him surpass iconic names like Larry Bird, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and Michael Jordan.
The legendary Larry Bird graced the Olympic stage once, as part of the legendary 1992 Dream Team in Barcelona, Spain, which dominated and won the gold medal. Michael Jordan, arguably one of the greatest basketball players of all time, participated in two Olympics for Team USA basketball at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1992 Barcelona Games, winning gold medals in both appearances. Carmelo Anthony, who retired in May 2023, represented the USA a record four times at the Olympics and won a bronze medal in 2004 and gold medals in 2008, 2012, and 2016.
Now, LeBron James joins the ranks of legends like Sue Bird, who secured a historic five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020), marking a remarkable achievement. In Paris, James will team up with the iconic Kevin Durant, who has also won three Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016, and 2020) and holds the record for the leading scorer in Team USA’s men’s Olympic basketball history. With these extraordinary athletes, let’s now take a look at the blazing roster for the Paris Olympics.
Team USA roster at Paris
Joining LeBron James on the court will be his Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, along with a stellar lineup including Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Anthony Edwards, Kawhi Leonard, Tyrese Haliburton, and Bam Adebayo. The squad will also feature reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid, making his Olympic debut while competing for Team USA.
With all eyes on Team USA and its roster at the Paris Olympics, LeBron James’ return has fans excited for the All-Stars to add another gold to their tally of 25 gold medals in both men’s and women’s basketball.