LeBron James makes history with Olympics accolade that not even Michael Jordan could achieve

LeBron James will make history when he leads out Team USA at Friday's Olympics opening ceremony in Paris.

The 39-year-old, a four-time NBA champion, is set to captain Team USA basketball in the coming days as he takes part in his fourth Olympic Games.

He will try and secure his third gold medal alongside the likes of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid, who will be managed by Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

But before taking to the court in his expected role as a point forward, James will become Team USA’s first ever men’s basketball player to walk an Olympic Opening Ceremony as flag bearer.

The LA Lakers star was voted by a group of nearly 600 members of Team USA to be one of two flag bearers, with reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff joining James for the ceremony.

“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James said in a Team USA statement.

“For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations.

"Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”

James becomes the third basketball player, and first men's player, to carry the U.S flag at the start of an Olympics, joining Dawn Staley and Sue Bird in that esteemed list.

Image credit: Getty

Some will be surprised to hear that James will be first male basketball player to carry the U.S flag at an Olympic Games.

Michael Jordan competed in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles prior to his NBA career and again in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona as a professional.

Jordan’s teams never lost, going 8-0 in both 1984 and 1992, but he never carried the flag at an opening ceremony.

As mentioned earlier, Tennis world number two Coco Gauff will join James as the USA’s female flag bearer.

“I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony,” she said in a statement.

“I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron as we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is – at a moment where we can bring athletes and fans together from around the world.”

Image credit: Getty

In total, three NBA players – LeBron James (USA), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) and Dennis Schroder (Germany) – will serve as their country's flag bearers in Friday's ceremony.