Celebrating Team USA’s 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal triumph over France, Los Angeles Lakers superstar and Olympic MVP LeBron James paused for a moment. James received the award for his impressive performance, which included an average of 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists while shooting 66% for the season. Moreover, he almost posted a triple-double in the latter rounds, dropping once in their comeback win against Serbia, however he was four rebounds shy of accomplishing it again versus France.
Meanwhile, his teammate and adversary, Stephen Curry, was also one bucket shy of beating Carmelo Anthony’s all-time Olympic scoring record of 37 points. However, Curry did seal the title for the Americans by making four straight threes in the clutch of the gold medal game.
During Team USA’s celebrations, James got time to see a magician blow his mind with a stunning feat involving cards and his phone. From the video, it looks like the four-time NBA champion still has room for some of life’s surprises.
LeBron James was speechless at this magic trick at the club 😂
(via @overtime / TT)pic.twitter.com/8OKqJDkBbw
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 12, 2024
Team USA’s route to gold
Team USA guard LeBron James (6) and centre Anthony Davis (14) celebrate after defeating France in the men’s basketball gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympics Summer Games at Accor Arena
On their journey to the gold, Team USA had their first true challenge in Serbia, headed by Denver Nuggets standout and NBA winner Nikola Jokic. Led by Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, the Serbians had led for much of the game and by as much as 17 points, and they took an 11-point advantage to the fourth quarter. However, Curry exploded for 36 points with nine made threes, including the go-ahead shot after James had knotted the game.
In the final game, Team USA overcame France 98-87, thanks in part to Curry’s spectacular shooting, having scored all 24 of his points on three-point shots. However, James’ calm hand matched Curry’s renowned exploits. He scored 14 points on 6-10 shooting, with six rebounds and ten assists.
While not as theatrical as Curry’s, the Lakers star nonetheless proved that he has already mastered the game of basketball in all facets. It’s not a surprise that LeBron James won Olympics MVP because of his immaculate ability to dominate the game even outside of scoring, although as the NBA’s all-time top scorer, he can certainly put the ball in the basket.
LeBron James and the Lakers
1d After the Olympics high, though, the NBA legend will have to face with some questions concerning the closing years of his playing career. At over 40 years old, can he still win an NBA championship with the Lakers?
Besides drafting Bronny James and appointing JJ Redick as head coach, the Lakers have kept relatively quiet during the offseason. However, LeBron James inked a two-year, $104-million contract with the franchise, seeking to fight for another title with Anthony Davis in a dangerous Western Conference.
Still, the lack of action from the organization led thoughts that the Lakers may have wasted James and Davis by failing to surround the tandem with quality players following their 2020 title. Leading the current Lakers group to a ring might be the greatest assignment James has faced yet, and he looks ready for it.
