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PARIS – LeBron James is 39 years old and is about to enter his 22nd professional season. For many, it is reasonable to assume that the upcoming Olympics in Paris might be his last opportunity to shine on this grand stage. However, if this is indeed the finish line for his Olympic career, it is unlikely to end without grandeur.
James has the chance to win his third Olympic gold medal when the United States faces France in the final on Saturday evening. A victory would make him the third male athlete in history to earn at least three gold medals in the Olympics. Kevin Durant could set a new record with four gold medals, while James would equal Carmelo Anthony with three Olympic titles.
“We know what we are here for,” James said, who shared the honor of being a flag bearer with tennis star Coco Gauff during the opening ceremony. Before the final, James is the leading scorer for the U.S. team, averaging 14.8 points per game, 7.0 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. No other American player has ever led an Olympic team in all three categories since assists were added to the statistics in 1976. Players like Durant have come close, but none have achieved this feat.
USA’s coach, Steve Kerr, describes James’s ongoing performances as “incredible.” “It’s amazing to see LeBron, to experience his preparation and focus,” Kerr stated. “He loves the game so much, he loves his work, and that spreads an energy and joy in the locker room.”
On this 14th day of the Olympics in Paris, there is also excitement across other sports. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif aims to win either gold or silver in the women’s welterweight final, while the U.S. women’s 4×100 meter relay team will be led by silver medalist Sha’Carri Richardson.
James has been an undeniable force all summer. According to USA’s coaches, he set the tone for the team from the very first training session in Las Vegas over a month ago. Even though he could have attended his son Bronny James’s debut game in the summer league, he chose to be in Vegas to support the team.
Along the way, James has acted as a mentor for his team and recruited stars like Stephen Curry after a disappointing fourth-place finish at the World Championship last year. Durant remarked, “We all change as we grow older, but part of greatness is adapting and finding ways to stay effective. LeBron has managed that at 39.”
James continues to perform feats that are almost beyond explanation. In the semifinal against Serbia, he recorded his second triple-double in his Olympic career. In total, all other male Olympic players combined have only achieved two triple-doubles.
“He’s still a monster machine,” said American center Joel Embiid. “I don’t understand how he does it, but it’s fun to watch.”
This may be the last chance to see James in an Olympic context. When the Los Angeles Olympics arrive in 2028, he will be 43 years old. While one should never say never, it appears likely that he will wear his national team’s uniform for the last time on Friday evening. With the USA, he aims to extend his team’s unbeaten streak of 46 victories in international matches.
“Whatever it takes for our team to be successful, that’s what I will do,” James concluded. “That will always be my approach.”
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