In Pictures: LeBron James links up with old rival Tony Parker, pop star Tyla in LVMH Pre Olympic party
LeBron James and Team USA are in France to compete in the 2024 Olympics. “King James” is playing in the quadrennial games for the first time since the 2012 event hosted by the UK. He and his star-studded American teammates are the favorites to win their fifth consecutive gold medal.
Before the highly anticipated opening ceremony, Louis Vuitton chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault and Comcast Corporation chairman and CEO Brian Roberts hosted a party. Called the “Prelude to the Olympics,” the event was attended by the who’s who in entertainment, sports and business.
LeBron James unsurprisingly attended the event. He was officially unveiled as an LV ambassador in January. The LA Lakers superstar was Pharrell’s top attraction when the brand’s creative director unveiled the 2024 Spring-Summer collection. James naturally rubbed elbows with fellow A-listers.
Two of those he posed for photos with were Hall of Famer Tony Parker and pop artist Tyla. Parker is a San Antonio Spurs legend who holds a 2-1 record against the four-time MVP in the NBA Finals. “TP” helped the Spurs to a 4-0 sweep of the James-led Cavaliers in 2007, winning Finals MVP that year.
James got one back in 2013 as a member of the Miami Heat but the Spurs bounced back with a throttling of the “Heatles” in 2014. The GOAT candidate took his talents back to Cleveland after the humbling loss to Parker and the Spurs.
Tony Parker is an iconic figure in French basketball. Most expected him to attend the LVMH party. Basketball fans have to be thrilled seeing photos of the former rivals having a good time at the brand’s pre-Olympic party.
LeBron James also met with Tyla, the Grammy-award-winning singer and songwriter. The “Water” hitmaker wowed the crowd with a number during the party.
Tony Parker will not be rooting for LeBron James in the Olympics
LeBron James is the biggest name in basketball. He leads a roster, including Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid and others, that is the favorite to win the tournament. Despite the overwhelming odds favoring the Americans, Tony Parker will not be rooting for them.
“TP” will unquestionably be cheering for Les Bleus, the French men’s basketball team, to grab the gold. Rudy Gobert and Co. gave the Americans a tough challenge in the championship game in Japan but lost to settle for silver. France is hoping to overcome that obstacle in front of its home fans.
Tony Parker was successful against LeBron James during their battles in the NBA Finals. He is hoping the new generation of French stars can have some of that when they face Team USA.