LeBron James has once again asserted his dominance on the international stage, further solidifying his standing as one of basketball’s all-time greats. His latest accomplishment came at the Olympics, where he not only helped lead Team USA to victory but also earned the highly coveted Olympics MVP award—a prestigious honor that has only been distributed three times in Olympic history.
Having entered the Olympics with an impressive array of accolades, including five different MVP awards from various leagues and competitions, James added another feather to his cap. His collection includes four MVP awards from the regular-season and Finals, three from the All-Star Game, and one each from the In-Season Tournament and the McDonald's All-America Game. Now, he adds an Olympics MVP to his extensive list.
The Olympics MVP award, conceived in 2004 and first awarded to Manu Ginobili, has seen sporadic distribution. It skipped the games in 2008, 2012, and 2016 before making a comeback at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where Kevin Durant was the recipient. This year, it was LeBron James who stood out among his peers, as Team USA triumphed over France to secure their fifth consecutive gold medal. James' performance was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 14.2 points on 66% shooting, paired with 8.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game throughout the tournament.
Notably, James recorded the fourth triple-double in Olympic history during the semifinal against Serbia, posting 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. His all-around brilliance was a key pillar for Team USA’s success, but he was far from alone in his efforts.
Stephen Curry’s Three-Point Barrage
Stephen Curry also played a crucial role in the team’s success, especially during the final two games of the tournament. Curry hit an astounding 17 three-pointers over these matches, including a 36-point performance against Serbia. His sharpshooting was pivotal in securing the victory over France, where he made four crucial three-pointers down the stretch. This outstanding display earned Curry a deserved spot on the Olympic All-Star Five.
Olympic All-Star Five: A Showcase of Talent
Joining Curry and James on the Olympic All-Star Five were Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Dennis Schroder. Jokic and Wembanyama showed their prowess on the court, while Schroder demonstrated his leadership skills, having led Germany to victory at the World Cup last summer. Although Germany fell just short of earning a medal in Paris, Schroder’s performances did not go unnoticed.
The Emergence of Victor Wembanyama
Among the All-Star Five, Victor Wembanyama is regarded as a rising star in the basketball world. His selection to the All-Star team at such an early stage in his career highlights his tremendous potential and hints at a promising future.
LeBron James: A Testament to Longevity
At 39 years old, LeBron James’ continued excellence is a testament to his enduring skill and dedication to the game. With two gold medals and four NBA championships under his belt, James’ legacy is secure, yet he continues to build on it with each passing year. The latest Olympics not only showcased the talents of seasoned stars like James and Curry but also heralded the advent of future luminaries such as Wembanyama.
In a sport where new stars continually emerge and veterans strive to maintain their edge, the recent Olympics served as a poignant reminder of the remarkable journeys of these players. LeBron James’ latest MVP award—and the collective efforts of his outstanding teammates—underline the ever-evolving narrative of basketball greatness.