LeBron James Reacts To 2024 Olympics Flagbearer Nomination: 'I Hope That Moment Will Unite Us'

LeBron James has been chosen as the male flag bearer for Team USA in Friday night's opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympics.

The NBA superstar, lovingly nicknamed "King James," reacted to the honor modestly and focused on it being a significant moment for his country rather than himself.

LeBron James has been vocal about needed changes in the U.S., frequently fighting against gun violence. Now, he hopes the Paris Games brings the country closer than ever before.

A video shared on Instagram captured the moment basketball star Stephen Curry announced James would carry the U.S. flag at the upcoming Olympics. "You get to wave a flag in Paris, my man," the athlete chimed as the room applauded.

Ever the humble recipient, James thanked Curry for his kind words before assuring those around him that this honor wasn't about him. The 39-year-old claimed he never expected it, saying:

"We all come from, you know, different walks of life, different cities, different upbringings. Think the last thing in our mind you ever have is carrying a flag representing our country during the Olympics."

"So it was never a thought. It was never a dream, but it's an absolute honor. And to be able to share that moment with you guys, it's gonna make it even more memorable. So I just, I appreciate it, man," James added.

James reflected on how Team USA has given him so much over the last 20 years and noted his hope for the flag-bearing moment to bring the country closer than ever before. Getting political, he said:

"I understand right now in a country that's so divided. I hope this moment and that moment will unite us or bring us together even for that split, even for those split seconds or those hours that we're trying to cross that water in Paris."

"So, I will hold that responsibility with a lot of honor and just say appreciate it once again. Thank you," James concluded his speech. His humble reaction received positive responses from fans, with many celebrating his achievement.

The reactions from fans varied from applauding James' humble personality to commemorating his nomination as a flag bearer. One Instagram user declared, "He is a class act-proud to have him represent USA!"

"It's interesting that this was never a thought or a dream for him. If I were an athlete, probably that would be my dream," another supporter penned, while a third added, "LeBron is still humble. Appreciate what he brings."

"Such a grateful, natural statement directly from his heart! Well said!!! Congratulations!!" a fan applauded James' speech, echoing sentiments similar to those of the social media user who wrote, "You have no business making me cry so early on a Monday morning!"

This isn't the first time James has given a passionate speech. The Blast reported that he slammed the U.S.'s poor gun control system in December 2023.

The athlete expressed his disappointment at a press conference following the unfortunate shooting at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV). He noted his brother back home reached out to him, praying for his safety after the tragic incident.

James sent his condolences to the victims and their loved ones before criticizing America's gun situation, saying:

"I think it's such a longer conversation, but we're the only ones who keep dealing with this same story, this same conversation every single time it happens, and it just continues to happen."

James did not mince his words against the government, claiming, "The ability to get a gun, the ability to do these things over and over and over, and there's been no change is literally ridiculous."

"It makes no sense that we continue to lose innocent lives on campuses, in schools, at shopping markets, movie theaters, and all types of stuff. It's ridiculous," he stressed, adding:

"And the fact that we haven't changed anything, it's actually been a lot easier to actually be able to own a firearm. It's stupid."

From his fight against gun violence to hoping the Olympics unites a divided country, LeBron James advocates for change. Could this be his stepping stone from athlete to politician?