Watch: LeBron James video bombs Kahleah Copper on Team USA boat during Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony
Team USA superstars have been linking up as the 2024 Paris Olympics unfolds. Two of the biggest superstars that were seen meeting up are NBA’s LeBron James and WNBA’s Kahleah Cooper during the Games’ opening ceremony.
James was seen video bombing Cooper’s video in the Team USA boat in the opening ceremony. James just finished his duties as the nation’s flag bearer when Cooper pulled up her selfie mode camera.
Cooper looked surprised that the NBA’s all-time leading scorer was standing behind her as she started recording. They interact for a bit following which Cooper moves the camera towards the Eiffel Tower.
Cooper and James are both champions and Finals MVPs in their respective leagues. Cooper won the WNBA championship in 2021 with the Chicago Sky where she won the Finals MVP. She is now one of the main players for the Phoenix Mercury, featuring her fellow Team USA members Brittney Griner, and Diana Taurasi.
Meanwhile, James won four NBA titles (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020), four NBA Finals MVPs, and four regular season MVPs. He is expected to lead Team USA to their fifth consecutive Olympic title defense.
Lebron James reflects on being Team USA’s Olympic flag bearer
When LeBron James carried the U.S. flag in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, he made history by becoming the first male basketball player to be the country’s Olympic flag bearer. Despite the rain, James waved the flag to lead all American athletes in the Olympic boat across Paris.
Shortly after docking the boat, James opened up on the experience as he touched on the honor of leading his country during the biggest sporting event in the world.
"It's an honor, it goes all the way back to my hometown, to my communities, all of our communities," LeBron said as he shared the feat with fellow Team USA athlete Coco Gauff. "For myself and Coco, for us to be able to represent our country.”
"It gives everyone so much hope where we come from...The rain can't stop us."
James also felt sentimental about the moment as this could be his last Olympic appearance. He also expressed that he wanted to inspire American athletes and make sure that his Team USA compatriots bask in the Olympic 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."
LeBron is set to make his Olympic return against reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic’s Serbia on July 28. Team USA are the favorites to win the gold medal for the fifth straight time.