Others

LeBron James's third Olympic gold medal holds a special significance for the NBA's all-time leading scorer. After a 12-year absence from the Games, James returned to lead Team USA to a 98-87 victory over France in the final on Saturday.James's performance was a testament to his enduring greatness. The 39-year-old contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, helping Team USA secure its fifth consecutive men's basketball gold medal."It's a big moment for USA basketball," James said. "I'm just living in the moment. I feel super humbled that I can still play this game at a high level, play with 11 other great players, and a great coaching staff, and go out and do it for our country."The victory marked the second consecutive Olympic final in which the US defeated France. James's return to the squad, along with the tournament debut of four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, proved to be a formidable combination."It was great. I think you wouldn't want it any other way to be able to face off against the host team. It was a great atmosphere," James said.James's Olympic journey has been a remarkable one. He won bronze as a teenager at Athens 2004 and was part of the "Redeem Team" that took gold in Beijing four years later. He appeared again at London 2012 but had not played at the Games since."It's the best one because it's the one that's right now," James said, hinting that this could be his final Olympics. "I can't see myself playing in LA (in 2028). Although I also didn't see myself playing in Paris. But four years from now, I can't see it."James's legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time is further cemented by his Olympic achievements. His third gold medal is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his enduring love for the game.

Paris Olympics: France Declares Readiness as Athletes ArriveFrench President Emmanuel Macron has expressed confidence in France's preparedness to host the upcoming Paris Olympics, which will mark the return of the Games to the French capital after nearly a century. Macron visited the Athletes' Village on Monday, four days before the official opening ceremony.The Games will utilize temporary venues constructed in the heart of Paris, including the Athletes' Village in Seine-Saint-Denis, the poorest area in France. Macron emphasized the transformative impact the Olympics will have on the region, promising to return after the Games to witness its legacy.The Athletes' Village, comprising 40 low-rise housing blocks, has been built using innovative construction techniques that prioritize sustainability. However, some Olympic delegations have expressed concerns about the lack of air conditioning and have ordered portable cooling units.International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach also visited the Village, where thousands of athletes and officials are arriving. The complex is expected to house up to 14,500 individuals at the peak of the Games.Meanwhile, France's Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne has welcomed the Israeli delegation to the Games, following a controversial call by a French lawmaker to exclude them due to the conflict in Gaza. Sejourne condemned the statement as "irresponsible and dangerous," assuring the security of the Israeli delegation.In a significant development, Team USA has named basketball superstar LeBron James as their male flagbearer for the opening ceremony. James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, expressed his honor in representing the United States on the global stage.The opening ceremony on Friday will feature a spectacular display of 6,000-7,000 athletes sailing down the Seine River on barges and boats, passing by iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral.However, Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar has withdrawn from the Games due to extreme fatigue after winning his third Tour de France title.

South Sudan's basketball team, ranked 33rd in the world, nearly pulled off a historic upset against a star-studded United States team in an Olympic warm-up game in London on Saturday. The South Sudanese led by 14 points at halftime and held a late lead before LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, sank the game-winning layup with eight seconds remaining.James finished with a game-high 25 points, while Joel Embiid, who became a US citizen in 2022, added 14 points and seven rebounds. Anthony Davis came off the bench to contribute 15 points and 11 rebounds.For South Sudan, Marial Shayok led the way with 24 points, while Carlik Jones had 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. J.T. Thor, who plays for the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, sank a three-pointer with 20 seconds remaining to give South Sudan a 100-99 lead.However, James's late heroics prevented South Sudan from pulling off one of the greatest shocks in international basketball."The ending was good for us -- just to feel that, to feel what it's going to feel like in Paris," said US coach Steve Kerr. "Good experience for us. Good reminder that when we play against teams, it's the biggest experience of their lives and we have to expect everyone to play like that."Kerr admitted that he did not prepare his team adequately for South Sudan's challenge. "I did not do a great job of preparing my team," he said. "We did not focus enough on what they are capable of and that's on me."James, a two-time Olympic champion and four-time NBA champion, emphasized the importance of continuous improvement for the US team. "We have to continue to take a step forward," he said. "A lot of these teams that we're playing have been practicing either one month or months in advance and we have maybe two weeks together."South Sudan's performance was a testament to their growing talent and potential. They will face the United States again in the Olympics group stages on July 31 at Lille.

LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, is set to make his fourth Olympic appearance in Paris 2024. This will be his first Olympic appearance since 2012.Born in Akron, Ohio, James was a basketball prodigy from a young age. He led his high school team to multiple state championships and was named National Player of the Year in his sophomore year.After graduating high school, James was selected as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He quickly established himself as one of the league's top players, winning Rookie of the Year honors in his first full season.James played for the Cavaliers for seven seasons, earning numerous individual awards including an MVP award. However, he was unable to lead the team to an NBA championship.In 2010, James joined the Miami Heat as a free agent. He won two NBA championships and two more MVP awards during his four-year stint with the Heat. He also led the United States to gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.James returned to the Cavaliers in 2016 and led them to their first NBA championship in franchise history. He then signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 and won another NBA championship in his third season with the team.In February 2023, James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time leading scorer. He currently has over 38,000 career points.James is known for his exceptional athleticism, court vision, and leadership skills. He is considered one of the most complete players in NBA history.Speaking about his return to the Olympics, James said, "I think just timing. Timing's everything, and I think — you know, at this point in my career, I still, I have a lot to give, and Team USA has given a lot to me, so I feel like it's an opportunity for me to give back."James is also known for his philanthropic work and his commitment to giving back to his community. He has established the LeBron James Family Foundation, which supports various educational and youth development programs.

The Paris Olympics, commencing on July 24, will witness a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Among the veterans, several notable athletes have announced their final Olympic appearances.Simone Biles: At 27, Biles is the youngest on this list but has already made history as the oldest American woman to make an Olympic gymnastics team since the 1950s. After a two-year hiatus, she returned to dominate the sport, winning multiple gold medals worldwide. In Paris, she aims to add to her seven Olympic medals, including four golds from Rio 2016.Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: The Jamaican sprint legend has declared Paris 2024 as her final Olympics. She will compete in her fifth Games, seeking to increase her medal count of eight, including three golds. After the Olympics, Fraser-Pryce plans to focus on her family.LeBron James: The basketball icon has announced that Paris 2024 will be his last Olympic appearance. With two golds (Beijing 2008 and London 2012) and a bronze (Athens 2004), James will become the first US men's basketball player to compete in three different decades. He leads a star-studded team that has drawn comparisons to the legendary "Dream Team" of 1992.Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray: Two of the three tennis greats in Paris have confirmed their final Olympic appearances. Nadal, with two golds (singles in Beijing 2008 and doubles in Rio 2016), has announced his retirement from the Games. Murray has hinted at a farewell tour, having won two golds (singles in London 2012 and Rio 2016) and a mixed doubles silver (London 2012). Djokovic, however, has not mentioned retirement and remains a dominant force in tennis.Eliud Kipchoge: The Kenyan long-distance running legend has not officially announced his retirement but has expressed uncertainty about his future Olympic participation. Kipchoge has won gold in his last two Olympics, becoming only the third person to achieve this feat. A victory in Paris would make him the most successful marathon runner in Olympic history, with an unprecedented hat-trick of golds.

Bronny James, the highly anticipated son of NBA legend LeBron James, made his unofficial debut for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA California Classic on Saturday. Despite the Lakers' 108-94 loss to Sacramento, James showcased his potential with a solid performance.Starting at point guard, James played 21 minutes and 43 seconds, contributing four points on 2-of-9 shooting. While his shooting efficiency was not ideal, he displayed his versatility with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal.James's first basket came with 5:51 remaining in the second quarter, a driving layup that tied the game at 31-31. He also grabbed his first rebound just 80 seconds into the game and made his first steal with 6:25 left in the second quarter.Despite the loss, James's performance was encouraging for the Lakers. He showed flashes of his father's athleticism and court vision, while also demonstrating a willingness to learn and improve."I just hope for (him to get) his feet wet in the NBA -- the pace of the game, the speed of the game, the physicality of the game," said LeBron James, who was not in attendance due to his commitments with the US Olympic team. "But what he does in the California Classic and Summer League, it doesn't matter if he plays well and it doesn't matter if he doesn't play well. I just want him to continue to grow."Bronny James's debut marked a historic moment for the NBA, as he became part of the first father-son duo to play in the league. While his performance may not have been spectacular, it was a valuable learning experience that will undoubtedly benefit him in the future.

LeBron James, the iconic NBA superstar, has etched his name in basketball history by becoming the first player to reach the remarkable milestone of 40,000 career points. This historic achievement was accomplished during the Los Angeles Lakers' home game against the Denver Nuggets, where James showcased his exceptional skills and determination.Prior to the game, James was just nine points shy of the coveted milestone. With the sold-out crowd eagerly anticipating the moment, he took matters into his own hands. Using a spin move to create space from Denver's Michael Porter Jr., James drove to the basket and executed a scoop layoff off the glass, sending the crowd into a frenzy.The roar of the crowd was deafening as James reached the historic mark, and they gave him a standing ovation when he went to the bench at the next break. The achievement was a testament to James' longevity, consistency, and unwavering commitment to the sport.Just over a year ago, James surpassed Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer. Now, at 39 years old and in his 21st season, he continues to defy expectations and average around 25 points per game.Throughout his illustrious career, James has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and four Finals MVP awards. He has also led Team USA to victory in the 2012 Olympics and is expected to participate in this year's event in Paris.Despite the historic milestone, James expressed disappointment that it couldn't prevent a defeat for the Lakers. "For me, the main thing is always to win, so I hate that it happened in defeat," he said. "Bittersweet, but I enjoyed every moment tonight on the floor."James acknowledged the significance of the achievement, stating, "No one has ever done it. For me to be in this position at this point and time in my career, I think it's pretty cool." He emphasized that while it may not be the pinnacle of his accomplishments, it holds a special place in his heart.James also recognized the importance of longevity and good health in achieving such milestones. "You have to play the game quite a while, and have some good luck as far as injuries and that nature," he said. "Records are always meant to be broken, but you can never say never."