An image of LeBron James holding the American flag during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics has already become a viral meme.
The four-time NBA champion, who was the nation’s flag bearer alongside tennis star Coco Gauff, was seen standing at the front of a boat floating down the River Seine on Friday night.
Many were quick to draw comparisons to the iconic image of George Washington crossing the Delaware River in 1776.
“Looks like LeBron James just founded America,” one fan joked on X alongside the image of James.
‘General Lebron James crossing the Delaware,“Another chimed in hilariously, while a third joked: “LeBron James invented the United States.
An image of LeBron James holding the American flag at the Olympics has become a meme
The moment of the opening ceremony was compared to that of George Washington on the Delaware River.
At that moment, rain fell on the basketball legend, who was surrounded by the nearly 600 American athletes.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially at a time that can bring the entire world together,” James said when he was named flag bearer earlier this week.
“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 high aspirations,” he continued.
“Sports have the power to unite us all and I am proud to be a part of this important moment.”
The gold medalist, who is competing in his fourth Olympic Games, was also interviewed live on NBC during the ceremony.
“For me and Coco, for us to represent our country, being black kids as well, representing our culture, representing where we come from, it gives everyone a lot of hope for where we come from,” James said.
“That’s all we can ask for. We take it on with the utmost responsibility and honour.”
James was the flag bearer for the United States in 2024 alongside tennis superstar Coco Gauff.
“Sports have the power to unite us and I’m proud to be a part of this moment,” he said.
