James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, announced on Monday 22 July that he will be the male flag bearer for Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. James, 39, was chosen by his fellow US Olympians for Friday's ceremony on the Seine River, and his female flag-bearer partner will be announced on Tuesday 23 July.

The basketball player said in a USOPC statement, "It's an incredible honour to represent the United States on this global stage, especially at a time that can unite the entire world," he said.

James added, "For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything, not just to me, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, my fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with great aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together and I am proud to be part of this important moment."

The ceremony on the Seine will be the first time a Summer Olympics will be held outside the main stadium. James, an Olympic gold medallist in 2008 and 2012, is not the only NBA star to carry his country's flag in Paris. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 2021 league champion, will play the role of Greece.