LeBron James has once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. At 39 years old, the veteran NBA star continues to defy expectations, now with an Olympics MVP award to add to his already extensive list of accolades.
A Storied Career Reaches New Heights
James entered the Olympics with a record of individual achievements, including five MVP awards from various leagues and competitions. This list includes four MVP awards from the regular season and Finals, and three from the All-Star Game. Additionally, he has earned MVP distinctions from the In-Season Tournament and the McDonald's All-America Game.
His latest accomplishment came as he helped Team USA secure their fifth consecutive gold medal in the Olympics, an achievement highlighted by the Olympics MVP award. Notably, this award has been distributed only three times in the history of the Olympic Games—initially conceived in 2004 and first awarded to Manu Ginobili. It wasn't awarded in 2008, 2012, or 2016, but made a comeback in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where it was won by Kevin Durant.
Impressive Tournament Performance
During the tournament, James averaged 14.2 points per game on a remarkable 66% shooting percentage. His all-around game was on full display, contributing an average of 8.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game. In a standout performance against Serbia in the semifinals, James recorded only the fourth triple-double in Olympic history with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Stephen Curry also played a crucial role in Team USA's success. The sharpshooter made 17 three-pointers in the final two games of the tournament. He delivered a 36-point performance against Serbia and made four crucial three-pointers down the stretch in the gold medal game against France. Curry's outstanding play earned him a spot on the Olympic All-Star Five.
Olympic All-Star Five
The Olympic All-Star Five included not only James and Curry but also featured other international stars like Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Dennis Schroder. Schroder, who led Germany to victory at the World Cup last summer, nearly guided his team to another medal finish in Paris.
Legacy and Future Stars
The latest Olympics showcased the enduring excellence of seasoned players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. For James, this tournament added another chapter to his storied career, which already includes two Olympic gold medals and four NBA championships.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of Victor Wembanyama in the Olympic All-Star Five highlighted the emergence of new talent in basketball. Wembanyama is widely seen as one of the sport's future stars, and his performance in the tournament validated those high expectations.
LeBron James' continued dominance at age 39 not only cements his legacy but also serves as an inspiration for both current and future generations of basketball players. His journey from high school prodigy to Olympic champion epitomizes the heights of individual excellence in the sport.