LeBron James continues to solidify his place in basketball history, adding another accolade to his illustrious career. The veteran NBA star entered Olympic competition with an impressive array of MVP awards earned across various leagues and significant competitions.
The 39-year-old legend holds four regular-season and Finals MVP awards and three All-Star Game MVPs. He also boasts MVP titles from the In-Season Tournament and the McDonald’s All-America Game, bringing an extensive and diverse collection of trophies under his belt.
A Historic Triumph
Most recently, James earned the Olympics MVP award after leading Team USA to victory against France, securing their fifth consecutive gold medal. Notably, the Olympics MVP award has been distributed just three times in the history of the games. Conceived in 2004, it was first awarded to Manu Ginobili. It went unawarded in 2008, 2012, and 2016 but made a comeback at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where it was won by Kevin Durant.
In this year's tournament, James averaged 14.2 points on an impressive 66% shooting. His contributions didn't stop there; he also provided 8.5 assists and grabbed 6.8 rebounds per game. Highlighting his versatility and skill, James posted the fourth triple-double in Olympic history during the semifinals against Serbia, racking up 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Stephen Curry Shines
Stephen Curry was another standout in the tournament, hitting a remarkable 17 three-pointers in the final two games. His 36-point performance against Serbia was pivotal, and he made four crucial three-pointers during crunch time against France. Curry's exceptional play earned him a well-deserved spot on the Olympic All-Star Five.
The Olympic All-Star Five
The Olympic All-Star Five featured an impressive lineup: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Dennis Schroder. Schroder, who led Germany to a World Cup victory last summer, nearly clinched another medal in Paris, showcasing the high level of international talent in the tournament.
A Testament to Longevity and Emerging Talent
The latest Olympics underscored the enduring excellence of seasoned players like James and Curry. At 39, James added another gold medal to his collection, which now includes two Olympic golds and four NBA championships. Curry, with his sharpshooting prowess, proved he remains a game-changer on any stage.
The tournament also highlighted the rise of new stars. Among these emerging talents was Victor Wembanyama, who earned his place on the Olympic All-Star Five. Seen as one of the promising new faces in basketball, Wembanyama’s inclusion marks a glimpse into the future of the sport.
LeBron James, known for his consistency and excellence, once again demonstrated why he’s considered one of the greatest in the game. His performance and leadership throughout the tournament provided fans and players alike with a masterclass in basketball.
As the games concluded, the narrative of Olympic basketball has been enriched with new stories of seasoned legends and promising new talents, all of whom provided unforgettable moments on the court.