Jason Whitlock delivers blunt critique of LeBron James being labeled as "Today’s Muhammad Ali"
After making history as the United States' 2024 Paris Olympic flag bearer, LA Lakers superstar forward LeBron James was dubbed "Today's Muhammad Ali." However, according to Blaze Media's Jason Whitlock, the comparison is unwarranted.
On Friday, James became the first U.S. men's basketball player to serve as an Olympic flag bearer. The four-time NBA MVP carried out the honor alongside American tennis star Coco Gauff. Together, they led Team USA across France's Seine River in the pouring rain during the Olympic opening ceremony.
After the moment went viral on social media, sports podcaster Dan Le Batard likened James to American boxing legend Muhammad Ali on Monday. During the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the then-retired Ali, battling Parkinson's disease, famously lit the Olympic torch.
Le Batard highlighted how much James has overcome as he enters Year 22 of his NBA career, raving about the 20-time All-Star's sustained dominance.
"I don't think we understand how unfair we've been to excellence during an era over the last twenty years [with] social media mocking people," Le Batard said on "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz."
"He was always chasing Michael [Jordan], always chasing Michael. To see him holding that American flag — and that flag means something different than it did twenty years ago, but the thing holding it doesn't — It's still excellence for 20 years. Today's Ali."
Whitlock, a frequent critic of James, including his political views, promptly disagreed with Le Batard's assessment during Tuesday's episode of "Fearless with Jason Whitlock." He noted that James being compared to Ali should be considered an indictment against today's generation of athletes.
"I was not a fan of LeBron James being selected as flag bearer for Team USA at the Paris Olympics," Whitlock said.
"... I was bothered because I knew it would inevitably lead to someone comparing LeBron James to Muhammad Ali. ... 'Today's Muhammad Ali.' That's a sad statement about today far more than it is praise of LeBron James. King James is not Muhammad Ali."
Time will tell whether James' Olympic flag bearer moment will be remembered to the extent of Ali's iconic torch lighting. Regardless, the Lakers superstar appeared to relish the opportunity to represent his country.
LeBron James on serving as Team USA's 2024 Paris Olympic flag bearer
While Jason Whitlock didn't support LeBron James being named Team USA's 2024 Paris Olympic flag bearer, that likely won't sway James' mindset regarding the honor.
After completing his duty, the four-time NBA champion touched on his desire to influence the next generation of athletes during his fourth Olympic appearance.
"It's a great opportunity for myself to continue to inspire the next generation, and I'm super excited to be here, man," James said. "I've been a part of the Athens Games, the Beijing Games, the London Games and now the Paris Games, and they're always special in their own right. So, it's 2024, and this is another special moment."
James is looking to win his third Olympic gold medal, while Team USA is seeking its fifth consecutive. Despite being the Americans' oldest player (39), James has been one of their top players thus far. His strong play has helped guide the squad to a 6-0 record through five exhibition games and one group-phase tournament contest.
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