LeBron James Adds Another Milestone to His Storied Career
LeBron James continues to solidify his standing as one of the greatest basketball players in history. The veteran NBA star has now added an Olympics MVP award to his impressive collection, which includes five different MVP awards across various leagues and competitions.
James entered the Olympics with four MVP awards from the regular season and Finals, alongside three MVP awards from the All-Star Game. He also has an MVP award each from the In-Season Tournament and the McDonald's All-America Game. This extensive list of accolades underscores his dominance across different stages of the game.
Team USA's triumph over France to secure their fifth consecutive gold medal in the Olympics was marked by James' exceptional performance, earning him the esteemed Olympics MVP award. Remarkably, this award has only been distributed three times in Olympic history. The honor was first conceived in 2004, initially awarded to Manu Ginobili during a standout performance for Argentina. It was notably absent in 2008, 2012, and 2016, but made a resurgence at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where Kevin Durant clinched it.
At 39 years old, James averaged 14.2 points on an impressive 66% shooting during the tournament. His contributions were not limited to scoring alone; he also averaged 8.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game. In the semifinal match against Serbia, James posted the fourth triple-double in Olympic history, recording 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, showcasing his all-around excellence.
Stephen Curry's Influence
While James was a towering figure, Stephen Curry made his mark with clutch performances. Curry hit 17 three-pointers in the final two games, including a 36-point showing against Serbia. His lethal shooting continued in the final against France, where he made four crucial three-pointers down the stretch, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. Curry's stellar efforts earned him a place on the Olympic All-Star Five.
The Olympic All-Star Five, including James, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Dennis Schroder, showcased a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Schroder, who had earlier led Germany to victory at the World Cup last summer, nearly guided his team to another medal finish in Paris.
A New Generation Waiting in the Wings
Victor Wembanyama's selection to the Olympic All-Star Five signals the arrival of a promising new talent in the basketball world. The young player’s presence among such established stars suggests a bright future, not just for him but for international basketball as a whole.
James' legacy is further bolstered by two Olympic gold medals and four NBA championships. His enduring excellence, along with that of fellow seasoned player Stephen Curry, highlights the incredible longevity and sustained performance at the highest levels of competition. This year's Olympics provided not just a platform for these veterans to shine but also a stage for upcoming stars to announce their arrival.