LeBron James is a professional basketball player who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA as of February 2025. LeBron is the first basketball player in history to be the American flag-bearer of the Olympics opening ceremony. LeBron James was selected as the first overall pick in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Draft 2003. LeBron is a four-time NBA Champion, two with the Miami Heat (2012 and 2013), One with the Cleveland (2016), and one with the Los Angeles Lakers (2020). A four-time Finals MVP, four regular season MVPs, 20-time All-Star, and being part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team are just at the top of the pile of his biggest accomplishments. In his 22 seasons of the NBA career, LeBron James is averaging 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game as of February 2025.
Before joining the NBA, LeBron James went to St. Vincent-St. Mary, where he averaged 18 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. For his gameplay, LeBron was named Ohio Mr. Basketball. In his junior year, James was the first junior player to get his name as the Gatorade Player of the Year. After the senior year, James drafted his name for the 2003 NBA Draft.
LeBron James Olympic Medals
LeBron James has won a total of four medals at the Olympics for the United States men’s national basketball team. He has won three gold (2008, 2012 and 2024) and one silver medal(2004).
Basketball is one sport at the Olympics where the United States has been the most dominant team in the history of the games. They have a record of 20 appearances at the games and have won a total of 17 gold, one silver (1972), and two bronze medals (1988 and 2004).
Also read: How many Olympic medals does Lebron James have?
LeBron James at the 2004 Summer Olympics
With the very limited game time, LeBron James averaged only 5.4 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 rebounds per game. LeBron James played alongside several NBA stars such as Allen Iverson, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Tim Duncan, Amar'e Stoudemire, and more.
LeBron James at the 2008 Summer Olympics
The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing was revenge time for the normally dominant United States basketball team. This time the team was assembled with a plethora of stars with no compromises as the United States looked to bring back the gold medal. Called the Redeem Team, this team was composed of superstars such as LeBron James himself, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Chris Bosh, and more.
By 2008, LeBron was a huge star in the NBA having led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2006-07. Starting in the Olympics, this time around, LeBron averaged 24.8 minutes per game, averaging 15.5 points, dishing out 3.8 assists, and collecting 5.3 rebounds to go along with his 2.4 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
The Redeem team was successful in bringing the gold medal back to the United States once again to continue their dominance of the tournament.
LeBron James at the 2012 Summer Olympics
By the time the 2012 Summer Olympics started in London, James was just coming off his first-ever NBA Championship with the Miami Heat and was in the form of his life having won the Finals MVP as well. In this edition of the Summer Olympics, the former Cavaliers’ guard was one of the members of another star-studded United States men’s national basketball team alongside superstar players such as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony, and more.
Once again being in top form and as the reigning NBA Champion, LeBron James was a starting member of the team. In 24.9 minutes per game on the floor, he averaged 13.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds as well as 1.4 steals and 0.3 blocks. The team was successful in defending their Gold medal which they had won from the previous edition in 2008. Thus, the 2012 Olympics victory gave LeBron James his third medal overall at the Summer Olympics.
LeBron James at the 2024 Summer Olympics
At 39 years old, LeBron James rejoined the USA national basketball team as a captain for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris after a 12-year hiatus. His selection as one of the two flag-bearers for the USA athletes contingent during the opening ceremony underscored his iconic status. He became the first male basketball player in history to carry the American flag at an Olympic opening ceremony.
On the court, James led Team USA in both rebounds and assists, often orchestrating the team’s play and stabilizing their defense. In a thrilling semi-final matchup against Serbia, James recorded his second Olympic triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. This achievement solidified his place in Olympic history, as he became the first player ever to record two triple-doubles in Olympic play.
Team USA advanced to the gold medal game, where they faced off against France in a hard-fought contest. LeBron James tallied 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists, propelling Team USA to a 98–87 victory and clinching their fifth consecutive gold medal. Throughout the tournament, James averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game, numbers that earned him the FIBA Men’s Olympics MVP award and a spot on the FIBA Men’s Olympics All-Star Five.
FAQs on Olympics medals of LeBron James
A. Yes, LeBron James has won a bronze medal for the United States men’s national basketball team at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
A. Overall, LeBron James has won six medals for the United States men’s national basketball team. He has three Olympic gold medals, one Olympic bronze medal, one bronze medal at the FIBA World Championship in Japan in 2006, and one gold medal at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship in Las Vegas.
A. LeBron James was a starter in three out of the Olympics he played. He came out of the bench in the 2004 Athens Olympics.
A. LeBron James took part in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the 2012 Olympics in London, and the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
