Michael Phelps has congratulated LeBron James. — Michael Phelps (R) has congratulated LeBron James. [PC: Getty Images]

Michael Phelps congratulates LeBron James after being named Team USA's male flag bearer for Paris Olympics 2024

Modified Jul 23, 2024 04:36 GMT

Michael Phelps has congratulated LeBron James after the NBA legend was named Team USA's male flag bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

James was nominated by his fellow American Olympians for the role, with the identity of the female flagbearer set to be announced on Tuesday (July 23). He is set to become the first male basketball player to carry the American flag at an Opening Ceremony.

The 39-year-old stated that he was proud to be picked as Team USA's flagbearer.

"It's an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together. For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations," he said (via BBC).

James, a four-time NBA champion and the league's all-time leading points scorer, will be competing in his fourth Olympic Games in Paris. He won the bronze medal on his Olympic debut in Athens 2004. He then won gold medals in Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, took to social media to share the news and congratulated James.

"Congrats LeBron James," he said on his Instagram stories.

Michael Phelps congratulates LeBron James. [PC: Instagram]

LeBron James helps the USA beat Germany in final warmup game before Paris Olympics

LeBron James will take part in his fourth Olympic Games in Paris- Getty Images

LeBron James helped Team USA register a confidence-boosting win against Germany in their final warmup match before the 2024 Paris Olympics.

USA and Germany locked horns at the O2 Arena in London on Monday (July 22) to get some practice under their belts before the quadrennial event. James, the oldest man on his team, ended up being the leading scorer (20 points) as USA beat the 2023 FIBA World Cup winner 92-88.

After the win, the LA Lakers player said that he was happy with the performance and the result.

"It was a good test for us. And I'm glad we were able to once again keep our composure, persevere like we did the other day versus South Sudan," said James.

Team USA's Paris Olympics campaign gets underway against Serbia on July 28. After that, they are set to face South Sudan on July 31 and Puerto Rico on August 3.