LeBron James is 2024 Olympics MVP; Curry joins USA teammate in ‘All-Star Five’

LeBron James entered the Olympics with an already impressive tally of five MVP awards across his remarkable basketball journey. This includes four regular-season and Finals MVPs, three All-Star Game MVPs, as well as one each from the In-Season Tournament and the McDonald’s All-America Game. On Saturday, following Team USA’s victory over France for their fifth consecutive gold medal, James added another accolade to his collection by winning the Olympic MVP award.

The Olympic MVP award has a unique history, having been presented only three times since its introduction in 2004. Initially awarded to Manu Ginobili, who led Argentina to gold, it was not granted during the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Games. The award was reinstated for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where it went to Kevin Durant. Now, James joins the ranks of Olympic MVP winners.

Throughout the tournament, James showcased his skills with an average of 14.2 points, shooting an impressive 66%. He also contributed significantly on the court with 8.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game. In a standout performance during the semifinal against Serbia, he achieved the fourth triple-double in Olympic history, recording 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. His versatility allowed him to be the offensive core for Team USA, taking on the role of point guard and primary ball-handler.

However, James faced stiff competition for the MVP award from his teammate Stephen Curry, who found his rhythm in the latter stages of the tournament. Though Curry had a slow start, he made a remarkable comeback with 17 three-pointers in the final two games. His critical 36 points against Serbia propelled Team USA to victory, and he hit four crucial threes during the final match against France, helping to maintain the lead and secure the gold medal. Despite his standout performances, Curry ultimately fell short of the MVP title.

Curry’s efforts did not go unnoticed, as he was named one of five players to the All-Star Five of the Olympics. Joining him on this prestigious list were his teammate James, Serbian star Nikola Jokic, French phenom Victor Wembanyama, and Dennis Schroder, who led Germany to a strong finish at the World Cup last summer and a near-medal performance in Paris.

From a legacy perspective, James had more to risk than to gain by competing in the Olympics this year. At 39 years old and with two Olympic gold medals and four NBA championships already under his belt, he had little left to prove. A loss for Team USA could have led to substantial criticism directed his way. Yet, he chose to participate and demonstrated that even as he nears 40, he can still perform at the highest level when it matters most. This MVP award may mark the final individual honor of his illustrious career, making it a fitting conclusion to a remarkable journey.