Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James added another accolade to his illustrious career on Saturday, securing his fourth Olympic medal as he helped lead Team USA to a dominant victory over Team France in the men’s basketball final.
The triumph marked Team USA’s fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal, achieved on the very stage in Paris where the world’s best athletes gathered to compete. The following day, Team USA’s women’s basketball squad continued their own streak of excellence, capturing an impressive eighth straight gold medal by also defeating Team France.
LeBron James, a 20-time All-NBA selection, played a pivotal role in the victory, contributing 14 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting from the field, including 1-of-2 from beyond the arc. He also made his presence felt in other areas, dishing out a game-high 10 assists, pulling down six rebounds, recording two steals, and blocking a shot.
His Lakers teammate, Anthony Davis, also shined, scoring eight points on 4-of-5 shooting, leading the team with nine rebounds, and showcasing his defensive prowess with four blocks and two steals. Davis, who logged significant minutes (20) compared to starting center Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers (11 minutes), was instrumental in maintaining Team USA’s dominance in the paint.
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Team France, which finished the tournament with a 4-2 record, put up a commendable fight against the undefeated Team USA (6-0). Although they didn’t pose as much of a challenge as Team Serbia did in the semifinal, Team France, led by the towering presence of All-Defensive First Team centers Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, kept the game close. Late in the fourth quarter, they managed to cut Team USA’s lead to just three points with 2:58 remaining, showcasing their resilience and talent.
Among the spectators at the event were several former Team USA stars, including LeBron James’ former teammate and ex-Lakers power forward Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer, and Stephon Marbury, a two-time All-NBA Third Team point guard. Marbury, who played alongside James on the 2004 Olympic team that won a bronze medal in Athens, was notably present courtside.
When asked by reporter Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson why LeBron James didn’t greet him after the game, Marbury responded with humor.
The 6-foot-2 point guard, known for his dynamic play during his NBA career with teams like the Phoenix Suns and New Jersey Nets, enjoyed a successful stint in the NBA before continuing his career in China. In the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Marbury became a revered figure, earning three CBA All-Star appearances, three CBA championships, and a Finals MVP award with the Beijing Ducks, solidifying his legacy as one of the most beloved players in the league’s history.
The moment between James and Marbury serves as a reminder of their shared past and the evolution of both players’ careers, with James continuing to build his legacy on the global stage and Marbury having found a second act in China where he is celebrated as a basketball icon.
