Steph Curry nominated Team USA teammate LeBron James to be a flag bearer at this Friday’s Paris Olympics Ceremony.
Curry nominated Los Angeles Lakers rival James, 39, on behalf of the Team USA squad and his fellow female flag bearer will be announced on Tuesday.
The two future NBA Hall of Famers have spent years going head-to-head on the West Coast with the Lakers and Golden State Warriors respectively. They even reportedly had a tense rivalry behind the scenes, understandably so considering their NBA Finals runs between 2014 to 2018, where they faced off a whopping 22 times.
James was at his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, while Curry was one of the centerpieces of the Warriors’ dream team, which also included Team USA’s Kevin Durant. Curry and the Warriors won three out of four NBA Finals meetings against James and the Cavaliers.
The all-time NBA points scorer did manage to bring home an NBA Championship to Cleveland in 2016, though, as the Cavaliers beat the Warriors 4-3. Team USA head coach Steve Kerr was the opposing coach to James too. “It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James said.
“For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
“We are thrilled to announce LeBron James as one of two flag bearers who will lead Team USA in the Opening Ceremony, and officially open the Paris 2024 Games,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland.
“Being selected by your teammates to carry the flag is a tremendous honor – and a testament to LeBron’s passion for Team USA and his dedication to his sport. We will watch with great pride as the flag bearers lead our athletes who are about to embark on a remarkable journey together.”
James and Curry shared the floor together on Saturday night, a tight 101-100 win over South Sudan. It took a James layup with eight seconds to go to win against the African country, who did themselves proud in a hotly contested battle with the reigning Olympic champions.
The duo could start again for Team USA on Monday, as they take on world champions Germany inside London’s o2 Arena. They could be joined by Durant, who took part in his first practice session last Friday since June’s injury.