USA coach Steve Kerr singled out LeBron following a comeback against South Sudan

ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe believes LeBron James will be the difference maker at the Paris Olympics.

The NFL Hall of Famer was stunned by James’ late intervention as Team USA avoided an embarrassing warm-up loss to South Sudan on Saturday.

Shannon Sharpe was thankful for LeBron James as Team USA beat South Sudan 101-100Credit: Getty

James led a fightback for the star-studded USA squad in LondonCredit: Getty

James drove it to the paint for the winning layup with just eight seconds left on the clockCredit: Getty
LeBron sunk a dramatic lay-up to complete a 101-100 comeback win for the star-studded USA team in London.

The 39-year-old forward dropped in the winning bucket with just eight seconds remaining of the contest.

It saw the USA rally from a 16-point deficit to avoid one of the most devastating losses in program history.

ESPN analyst Sharpe watched events unfold from across the pond as he enjoyed a vacation from his broadcasting duties on First Take.

And the Los Angeles Lakers fan reiterated his love for James in a gushing social media post.

“I guess we got our answer on who’s taking the last shot IF* USA men’s team dwn[sic] a basket?” Shannon wrote on X.

“Guess he’s not to old after all. #GOATJAMES #OlympicPrep #WeWinningGold.”

“He was Captain America today,” responded one fan.

“The true GOAT @KingJames,” added another.

“My GOAT! His fingerprints were written all over this game! Shoutout to South Sudan as they have no quit in them whatsoever. Kerr almost costs team USA this game,” said a third.

LeBron James responds to USA Basketball’s comeback win against South Sudan as Steph Curry labels teammate ‘the closer’
“Real GOAT wouldn’t have let it get that close…” countered a fourth.

“The real GOAT would never be down 14 to South Sudan in any game ever,” agreed a fifth.

USA dug themselves out of a hole with an 18-0 run in the second half.

The team is hoping to win a fifth consecutive Olympic gold later this month in Paris.

After laying up the winning points to continue a perfect record in warm-up games, 20-time All-Star LeBron claimed he was happy for “the test.”

USA basketball Olympic schedule

Men

July 28, 11.15am ET – USA vs Serbia, NBC

July 31, 3pm ET – USA vs South Sudan, USA Network

August 3, 11.15am ET – USA vs Puerto Rico, NBC

Women

July 29, 3pm ET, USA vs Japan, USA Network

August 1, 3pm ET, USA vs Belgium, USA Network

August 4, 11.15am ET USA vs Germany, USA Network

“I’m going to be honest – I like those better than the blowouts,” James said as he walked off the court.

“At least we get tested.”

Team USA’s coach Steve Kerr praised his team for sticking to their task and winning a gutsy contest.

“[It was] a good reminder that when we play against teams, it’s the biggest game of their lives,” Kerr said.

“We have to expect everyone to play like that.”

He reserved a special mention for LeBron, who is currently the oldest active player in the NBA.

“On every single drill, he talks,” Kerr continued.

“He’s even in a shootaround walkthrough his voice behind the play, yelling out what’s happening, yelling out the scheme, his leadership by example.

“The guy is incredible and I mean I’ve known that forever, but to see it up close is pretty special.”