"The rain can't stop us" - LeBron James reflects on honor of being Team USA's flag bearer with Coco Gauff at Paris Olympics
On Friday afternoon, LeBron James made history as the first male basketball player to be named a flag bearer for Team USA in the Olympics. Following this incredible feat, the NBA star opened up on what the moment was like for him.
All competing countries well welcomed in Paris on Friday, arriving on boats to a massive crowd. However, the weather did not end up co-operating with the festivities. During the opening ceremony, Paris was hit with a little bit of rain.
After docking with the rest of Team USA, LeBron James appeared on TV for a quick interview. The LA Lakers star touched on what it was like for him to be chosen to carry his country's flag.
"It's an honor, it goes all the way back to my hometown, to my communities, all of our communities," LeBron said. "For myself and Coco, for us to be able to represent our country.
"It gives everyone so much hope where we come from."
LeBron also made it clear that he wasn't going to let the weather have a negative impact on this big moment:
"The rain can't stop us."
LeBron James speaks on sharing special moment with Team USA teammates
While he was still on the boat, LeBron James opened up on what a special moment it is to be part of the Olympics. Flag bearing aside, he is hoping to soak up every second of this experience in Paris with his new teammates.
With this likely being his final Olympics, LeBron is likely feeling sentimental about this run with Team USA. He brought up wanting to be an inspiration for future stars, along with making sure his first-time teammates fully embrace the moment.
"It's always a new experience," LeBron said. "New group of guys. Some guys have never been Olympians before, so you want them to see the whole moment of being here. It's a great opportunity for myself to continue to inspire the next generation."
Team USA has a handful of guys who will be suiting up in the Olympics for the first time. Among the most notable are Steph Curry and Joel Embiid. There is also Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, who was brought on as a replacement for Kawhi Leonard.
As for LeBron James, the Paris games mark his return after over a decade of being away from Olympic action. The last time the LA Lakers forward suited up for Team USA was at the 2012 Olympics in London.
Following his absence, LeBron is back to join this elite roster of NBA superstars on Team USA. If he's able to help deliver the United States a gold medal, it will mark the third time he's achieved this feat.