At the age of 39, Lakers superstar LeBron James isn’t just playing the game—he’s making history.
As one of the elder statesmen on this year’s Team USA men’s basketball team, James has seen it all, including the disappointment of a bronze medal finish in the 2004 Olympics. That experience seems to be fueling his current run, as he continues to deliver clutch performances and inspirational leadership at the Paris Games.
The 2004 Athens Olympics were a humbling experience for a young LeBron James. Fresh off his rookie season, James joined fellow future Hall of Famers Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade on a Team USA squad that, despite its star power, stumbled to a bronze medal finish.
Under head coach Larry Brown, the trio of first-year players often found themselves sidelined in favor of more established veterans—a decision that arguably cost the team a shot at gold.
Fast forward to today, and James is now one of those seasoned veterans, tasked with leading a much more cohesive and talented Team USA squad.
This year’s team, featuring stars like Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, has faced its own challenges but remains undefeated as they head into the gold medal game.
On Thursday, Team USA found themselves in a precarious position against Serbia, led by three-time Denver Nuggets MVP Nikola Jokic. The American squad trailed by as many as 17 points and needed a miracle to avoid another Olympic letdown. Enter LeBron James.
With Team USA down 15 points in the fourth quarter, James took control. He orchestrated a stunning 32-15 rally that secured a 95-91 victory and punched the team’s ticket to the gold medal game.
In the process, James logged his second triple-double in an Olympic game—a feat no other player has ever achieved twice. Over 32 minutes, the 6-foot-9 forward posted 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, grabbed 12 rebounds, dished out 10 assists, and added a steal for good measure.
LeBron’s heroics weren’t limited to his stat line. According to BasketNews, James delivered yet another rousing postgame speech to his teammates—a ritual that has become a hallmark of this Olympic run.
“I told them that, you know, it’s good to be tested, it’s great to be tested, and our ultimate goal is one game away,” James said after the victory.
“We look forward to the matchup on Saturday against France.”
Reflecting on his own performance, James added, “I’m always trying to be aggressive and make plays for our team, trying to do a little bit of everything on the floor. My teammates believe in me, and I was able to come through for them.”
As Team USA prepares to face France in the gold medal game, all eyes will be on LeBron James. The man who once tasted Olympic disappointment is now just one win away from adding another golden chapter to his storied career. And if his recent play is any indication, LeBron isn’t done making history just yet.
