James has a chance to earn his third gold medal, but a fellow teammate would then receive his fourth of that variety
LEBRON James continued to show his dominance on the world stage, helping Team USA come back to defeat Serbia 95-91 in the semifinals on Thursday.
But the 39-year-old NBA icon also pulled off an impressive Olympic accomplishment in the process.
LeBron James made history in Team USA’s thrilling 95-91 victory over Serbia on ThursdayCredit: Reuters
The 39-year-old James helped the Americans come back from a 17-point deficit in the semifinals gameCredit: Getty
The Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron posted a triple-double, recording 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in the Paris Olympics contest.
It was the second career triple-double of his Olympic career.
LeBron’s previous triple-double came in the quarter-finals of the 2012 London Olympics, where he put up 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists in a win over Australia.
He is the only US player to ever record a triple-double in the Olympics.
And James is the only player to achieve the accomplishment twice.
The only other players to achieve a triple-double are Alexander Belov, who did it on the Soviet Union’s team in 1976, and Luka Doncic, who accomplished it in the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Fans were impressed with the factoid concerning LeBron on social media.
“LeBron was cooking all game,” one wrote.
“Goat activities,” another commented.
“Lebron the best player in NBA history but y’all not ready for that conversation tho,” a third added.
LeBron James rushed to locker room after brutal shot to face during Paris Olympics as USA star is seen wincing in pain
James helped Team USA overcome a 13-point deficit after three quarters against Nikola Jokic’s Serbia.
The Americans even trailed for more than 35 minutes of the 40-minute game.
The US outscored Serbia 32-15 and kept their lead after Steph Curry’s three-pointer with 2:24 left in the contest.
The Golden State Warriors star led the squad with 36 points.
Team USA will look to win its fifth straight gold medalCredit: Getty
Curry was one point shy of Carmelo Anthony’s American Olympic record for men’s basketball.
Team USA will face France in the gold medal game on Saturday at 3:30 pm Eastern on NBC.
Both teams played in the gold medal game in the 2020 Tokyo Games.
The Americans won 85-80.
The soon-to-be 22-year NBA veteran LeBron will likely make his final Olympic game appearance.
He can become the second-most decorated Olympic player in men’s US basketball history.
LeBron earning a gold would tie him with Carmelo Anthony with three career gold medals and one bronze medal.
Kevin Durant would be the most accomplished as he would have four career gold medals if Team USA wins.
