LeBron James concluded his storied Olympic career with a remarkable finish as Team USA secured victory over France in the final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 39-year-old veteran not only played a pivotal role in the win but also had the honor of being the team’s flag bearer, all while earning his first Olympic MVP award.

LeBron James with his gold medal

When asked by Sam Amick of The Athletic which Olympic medal stood out the most in his career, James didn’t hesitate to point to the Paris victory as particularly special. While his previous golds hold their own significance, this final triumph carried added meaning as the closing chapter of his Olympic journey.

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“I mean, (this) is the best one because it’s the one that’s right now,” James said.

“Obviously, the Redeem Team in ’08 had a lot of significance-we had to come back after a couple of years where we weren’t playing to our capability. So in ’08, we had the Redeem Team come back, and then in ’12 we played some good ball as well and were able to win that in London.”

This gold medal was James’ third in the Olympics, adding to an alreay impressive resume. He reflected on the importance of all his Olympic experiences but highlighted this final one as a crowning achievement, marking the end of a long and successful run with Team USA.

However, James’ MVP selection has sparked discussion. Some have questioned the choice, with Team USA head coach Steve Kerr suggesting that Devin Booker could be seen as the “unsung MVP” of the tournament.

Regardless of the debate, James’ contributions throughout the tournament were substantial. He averaged 14.2 points, 8.5 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, demonstrating his enduring skill and leadership.