LeBron displays his gold medal (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein)
Team USA Basketball won the gold medal again by beating France with a 98-87 victory in the final of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This triumph adds to the impressive collection of seventeen gold medals in the history of the American team. After the victory, the statements of the protagonists were not long in coming, with LeBron James at the head, who baptized his squad with a very special name.
During a conversation with the press, LeBron James was asked about the nicknames of previous historic teams such as the ‘Dream Team’ of Barcelona 1992 and the ‘Redeem Team’, which won the gold medal in Beijing 2008. And James refused those aliases and decided to name his team after NBA stars such as Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid, stating confidently: “This team is the Avengers.”
According to Bleacher Report, James had already been given the nickname “Captain LeMerica” during the Paris Games, reflecting the superhero theme. “It’s not exactly clear which members of Team USA were given the roles of Thor, Iron Man or Hulk, but fans can certainly draw their own inferences,” the outlet noted. The team boasted eight NBA MVP awards among its members, with players such as Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant lending their experience to the team at key moments.
As for the impact of this star-studded team, the aforementioned outlet also highlights that even some of the best players struggled to get playing time. One such example is Jayson Tatum, who despite leading the Boston Celtics to the NBA championship in 2024, had multiple DNPs (Did Not Play) during the American team’s Olympic campaign.
The American team was crowned Olympic champion in Paris 2024
The team’s success goes beyond the stars on the court. On the coaching staff, Steve Kerr, Tyronn Lue, Erik Spoelstra and Mark Few brought their knowledge and skills to bear in leading the team to the top of the podium. This victory represents the fifth consecutive gold medal for U.S. men’s basketball at the Olympic Games, a feat that secures their dominance in the sport internationally.
James achieved something unprecedented: winning a gold medal in three different decades. LeBron was present at Beijing 2008 at the age of 23, at London 2012 at the age of 27, and now, at 39, he has reached the top of the podium again at Paris 2024.
Amidst the celebration of this historic achievement, the former Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers player is already looking to focus on the Los Angeles Lakers, where he will be able to fulfill his dream of playing alongside his son Bronny James. LeBron is about to begin his twenty-second season in the NBA, a true testament to his longevity and talent.
Team USA’s success at Paris 2024 further cemented its status as a role model for future generations. The ability of the stars to put their egos aside and work together towards a common goal highlights the team’s professionalism and commitment, something that has not always been the case. This resumption of their dominance was triggered by what happened at Athens 2004, when Argentina humbled them and ended up taking the gold medal.
