James and Co. booked a semi-final showdown with Serbia after a blowout win
NBA legend LeBron James was lapping up cheers from the crowd in France – only to discover they weren’t for him.
The Team USA superstar was caught on NBC cameras saluting noisy spectators at the Bercy Arena in Paris.
LeBron James was left red-faced after an incident during Team USA’s win over BrazilCredit: Getty
James saluted the crowd with his signature crown gesture after believing they were cheering for himCredit: NBC
But the cheers were actually for French four-time gold medalist swimmer Leon MarchandCredit: Getty
LeBron was seated on the bench as the USA men’s basketball team cruised to a blowout win over Brazil on Tuesday.
James took an elbow to the face during the contest and disappeared to the locker room for stitches.
He returned to the benches late in the fourth quarter, with the crowd loudly cheering as he took his seat.
LeBron appeared to believe the ovation was for him, miming putting a crown on his head in his signature King James gesture.
But unbeknown to the 20-time NBA All-Star, the French crowd was going wild for another athlete.
French swimming sensation Leon Marchand had stood up in his seat during a break in play, prompting deafening roars.
Marchand won four gold medals and one bronze in the pool, becoming an overnight sensation.
LeBron was swiftly mocked on social media for his “embarrassing” mistake.
“Muscle memory at this point, understandable confusion,” commented one fan on X in response to the footage.
“Bro really thinks he is the main character all the time,” joked another.
“I was cheering for you King,” laughed a third.
“That’s totally embarrassing. He’ll be clowned for that in the locker room,” added a fourth.
James was shown on the arena’s jumbotron during the incident, aiding his confusion, per Larry Brown Sports.
Team USA is currently chasing a fifth consecutive basketball Olympic gold medal.
LeBron dropped 12 points, nine assists, three rebounds, and three steals in the 122-87 blowout win.
He received stitches after a coming-together with Brazilian guard Georginho De Paula in the third quarter.
Fellow NBA star Kevin Durant reached a huge career milestone during the contest.
The Phoenix Suns forward registered 11 points off the bench, becoming USA Basketball’s all-time leading scorer at the Olympics.
Team USA will face Serbia for a spot in the final on Thursday.
Meanwhile, France will square off with Germany in the other semifinal.
The gold medal game is set for Saturday night in Paris.
