1 jaw-dropping LeBron James stat that spells trouble for 2024 Paris Olympics competitors

LeBron James is gearing up to compete at the Olympic Games for the fourth time in his career. The two-time Olympic gold medalist is the leader of a star-studded 12-member Team USA roster that will feature in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Despite being 39 years old, the LA Lakers' superstar has shown no signs of slowing down and is determined to end his stint with the national team with another gold medal around his neck.

The four-time NBA champion featured in all the five showcase games leading up to the Summer Games. To put it mildly, the four-time NBA Finals MVP proved to be the best player on the roster during the tune-up games.

Ahead of Team USA's opening game against Serbia on Sunday, here's a closer look at one LeBron James stat that could spell trouble for the teams set to face James and Co. at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

LeBron James' eye-opening stat as a closer

The four-time NBA champion's credentials in closing out basketball games are truly extraordinary. Over his two-decade career in the NBA, the 20-time All-Star has made numerous game-winning plays last in the fourth quarter.

Last season, LeBron James averaged 8.1 points in the fourth quarter (as per NBA.com). This meant that the veteran led the league in this category and reminded everyone of his ability to perform in clutch situations.

During the recently concluded showcase games, LeBron's clutch plays propelled Team USA over the line twice. The Lakers' superstar first scored a bucket with eight seconds remaining in the game against South Sudan and helped Team USA register a 101-100 win to avoid one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport.

In the next game against reigning World Cup winners Germany, the four-time NBA MVP scored 11 points in the last four minutes and iced the game.

It became obvious that when Team USA is in a spot of bother – especially during late-game situations – LeBron James is still the man to finish the job.

Opposing teams will need to be aware of LeBron's late-game heroics and hope to strategize and execute a game plan to stop "King James" from making game-winning plays, which undoubtedly won't be easy. Opposition coaches will likely have their hands full when it comes to coping with LeBron throughout the tournament.

LeBron James in showcase games

James put on a spectacular performance as Team USA went 5-0 during the showcase games ahead of the Games. Notably, he led the team in scoring, assists and field goal percentage.

LeBron averaged 14.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists in five games, shooting 60.9% from the field and 46.2% from beyond the arc.

The four-time NBA champion's best individual performance came against Germany, where he scored 23 points, six rebounds and six assists on the night. Furthermore, LeBron shot 10-of-14 from the field, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range.

Do you think LeBron James will add a third Olympic gold medal to his cabinet in Paris? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.