"Still thinking about my first bronze" - Nike drops new LeBron James commercial ahead of 3rd gold medal game

LeBron James and Team USA take on France in the gold medal game of the men's basketball event on Sunday at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This will be the third time the LA Lakers star will appear in an Olympic gold-medal game in his illustrious career. However, King James is still thinking about the bronze medal he won at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

For a team like the USA and for a player of James' caliber, any medal that's not gold is considered a failure. The two-time Olympic gold medalist is taking inspiration from the loss he suffered in Athens.

Earlier on Saturday, Nike posted a commercial video featuring the King on X, formerly known as “Twitter”. The Lakers star is seen doing pull-ups, and in the background, he's heard saying he's going for gold but is still thinking about the 2004 bronze.

“I am going for my third gold medal. But I am still thinking about my first bronze.”

The video ended with a message:

“Winning isn’t for everyone.”

In 2004, LeBron James and Team USA faced Argentina in the Olympics semfinal to book their place in the gold medal game. However, Argentina beat James and Co. 89-81, registering one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history.

During the medal ceremony, LeBron James and his teammates looked heartbroken even after winning bronze, and the 2004 Olympics campaign was considered a failure for USA basketball.

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Steve Kerr praises LeBron James ahead of USA's gold medal game against France

Steve Kerr never coached LeBron James before the Paris Olympics. From working on his game, practising and leadership to impacting the game, James has left a big imprint on Kerr.

Since the Team USA roster came together to prepare for the Olympics, Kerr has been impressed with his team's leader. After the win against Serbia in the semifinal, Kerr was asked about James' impact on the game.

“LeBron puts his imprint on the game in so many different ways,” Kerr said.

“It's not just his skill and his strength and his size, but it's his emotion, his confidence, just the way he infuses our team with energy and confidence at 39. It's just amazing.”

James had his second triple-double in the Olympics in the semifinal. He scored 16 points and also registered 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

Team USA will once again expect their star player to lead them against France in the final. They will have a big challenge guarding Victor Wembanyama, who has shown in this Olympics that he's close to being a superstar.