USA vs. South Sudan score, live updates: LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Team USA are back on the court in Paris

Team USA cruised past Serbia in its opening matchup of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics as six players scored in double figures, with Kevin Durant (23 points) and LeBron James (21 points) leading the way. Next up for the Stars and Stripes is South Sudan, which put a scare into the US in a pre-Olympic match in London back on July 20. South Sudan led by as much as 16 and Team USA was able to hold on for a 101-100 win with a huge finish from LeBron James.

The U.S. leads Group C in point differential with their 26-point win over Serbia in the opener, and can all but lock up a spot in the knockout round with a win over South Sudan.

Dat e: Wednesday, July 31

Time: 2:45 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT

Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium | Lille, France

TV channel: USA Network

Streaming: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com

Yahoo Sports has you covered with live updates and highlights for Team USA's second game of the men's basketball competition against South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Live10 updates

Wed, July 31, 2024 at 3:44 PM EDTHalftime: USA 55, South Sudan 36

Bam Adebayo erupted in the second quarter while pushing Team USA to a 55-36 halftime lead in France. He's got 14 points now while shooting a perfect 6-of-6 from the field with two 3-pointers.

Nuni Omot leads South Sudan with 13 points. Shayok hasn't scored since the first quarter.

Wed, July 31, 2024 at 3:34 PM EDT

Joel Embiid is the only American who hasn't played yet today, but it doesn't seem to matter much. Team USA is up 43-26 now just past the midway point of the second quarter.

Wed, July 31, 2024 at 3:22 PM EDTAfter 1: USA 26, South Sudan 14

The United States has taken a 26-14 lead after the first quarter in France. LeBron James has eight points after shooting 4-of-5 from the field to lead Team USA.

Former Iowa State star Marial Shayok leads South Sudan with seven points at the first break.

Wed, July 31, 2024 at 3:19 PM EDT

Joel Embiid is loving this.

Wed, July 31, 2024 at 3:10 PM EDT

LeBron James joins the 300-point club just a few minutes into today's game against South Sudan.

Wed, July 31, 2024 at 3:04 PM EDT

Well, this didn't take long. What a great start for Team USA.

Wed, July 31, 2024 at 2:46 PM EDTJayson Tatum, Anthony Davis starting for Team USA

Wed, July 31, 2024 at 2:19 PM EDTTeam USA men's 3X3 falls in opener

While the 5-on-5 team is looking to extend its gold medal streak Team USA's 3x3 basketball squad qualified for the Summer Games for the first time this year, and it didn't get off to a great start. Former BYU star Jimmer Fredette headlines the team, which lost its opener to Serbia on Monday. The U.S. is back on the court this afternoon (4:35 p.m. ET) against Poland.

Wed, July 31, 2024 at 2:12 PM EDTTeam USA has arrived for its second matchup of the 2024 Paris Olympics

Wed, July 31, 2024 at 2:04 PM EDTAfter a close call in London heading into the Olympics, the US men's basketball team is back on the court against South Sudan

An inspired second half from LeBron James powered Team USA to a 101-100 win over South Sudan in a tune-up heading into Paris, and now with more on the line in the US's second game of pool play, LeBron and the star-studded roster will look to perform a little better this time around.

LeBron James Has 'Captain LeMerica' Nickname Added to Basketball-Reference Profile

Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images

As he tries to lead Team USA to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, star forward LeBron James has picked up a new nickname along the way.

Basketball Reference added "Captain LeMerica" to James' long list of nicknames following a tweet from USA Basketball after James helped lead the team to a 110-84 win over Serbia in its group-play opener on Sunday.

It's been quite some time since James was referred to as "The Little Emperor," "The Akron Hammer," "L-Train" or "Benjamin Buckets," so it will be interesting to see if "Captain LeMerica" sticks. At this stage in his legendary career, "King James" is his primary nickname, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.

James had 21 points, nine assists and seven rebounds to help lead Team USA to its blowout victory over Serbia on Sunday. The 39-year-old is seeking his third career gold medal in what will likely be his final Olympic Games.

The new nickname for James comes nearly a week after Team USA's viral debate of who had the best nickname on the roster. While "King James" received a lot of love, Kevin Durant's trio of "Durantula," "Easy Money Sniper" and "Slim Reaper" earned him the top spot.

James and Team USA will be back in action on Wednesday against South Sudan, which gave them trouble during an exhibition game prior to the Paris Olympics. A late layup by James helped the Americans avoid what would've been a monumental upset.

It can be expected that "Captain LeMerica" and company will be motivated to make a statement in Wednesday's meeting.

LeBron James, Kevin Durant impress for Team USA; USWNT advances; MLB trade deadline heats up

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🏀 Good morning to everyone, but especially to ...

LEBRON JAMES, KEVIN DURANT AND TEAM USA MEN'S BASKETBALL

They don't just hand out nicknames like "Easy Money Sniper," and Kevin Durant just showed why.

After missing all of Team USA's showcase games due to a calf injury, Durant poured in 21 points in a jaw-dropping first half as the Americans blew out Serbia,110-84, in its Olympic opener.

This was the basketball equivalent of a religious experience. Durant entered late in the first quarter and in the blink of an eye knocked down two 3-pointers. He hit all eight of his first-half shots, a stunning display of 3-pointers and tough midrange jumpers he made look effortless. Normally stone-faced, Durant flashed the broad smile of a player who has it all going and knows his opponent can't stop it. He finished with a team-high 23 points. 

LeBron James wasn't far behind with 21 points as well as nine assists and eight rebounds. He and Durant shot over 77% from the floor combined, and the team as a whole shot a scintillating 62% from the floor and 56% from 3.

Simply put, two of the game's iconic all-time players took charge, Brad Botkin writes.

Botkin: "On this American team, where the collective talent diminishes, in some cases significantly, the importance of any single player, James and Durant remain the two most indispensable components. ... Even on a roster with so much scoring talent, Durant's ability to make any shot at any time against any matchup is the Americans' most reliable source of offense."

Jrue Holiday (15 points), Devin Booker (12), Stephen Curry (11) and Anthony Edwards (11) also reached double figures. NBA MVP Nikola Jokic had 20 points for Serbia, which played Team USA even when he was on the floor and was outscored by 26 in the nine-ish minutes he was on the bench.

Here's more from the Men's Basketball event:

While Holiday and Derrick White contributed, the Celtics' two biggest stars made the wrong headlines: Jayson Tatum didn't see the court, and Jaylen Brown (who isn't on the team) is in a war of words with Team USA managing director Grant Hill. 

Victor Wembanyama starred in his Olympic debut. He wasn't alone.

😊 Honorable mentions

Pete Prisco says Will Levis is a star in the making.

Xavier Edwards hit for the second cycle in Marlins history. The Brewers, however, got the win in Devin Williams' return.

At UFC 304, Belal Muhammad upset Leon Edwards to take the welterweight title, and Tom Aspinall finished Curtis Blaydes in mere seconds to retain his interim heavyweight title.

Jhonattan Vegas won the 3M Open, his first PGA Tour title in seven years.

😖 Not so honorable mentions ⚽ USWNT surges past Germany; USMNT U23s rebound with win Getty Images

The United States Women's National Team is finding its footing under Emma Hayes, and Sunday was a resounding success. The Americans roared past Germany, 4-1, behind an attack that has found life in Paris, qualifying for the quarterfinals in the process.

Sophia Smith opened the scoring in the 11th minute off a great cross from Trinity Rodman.

Shortly after Giulia Gwinn's game-tying goal in the 22nd minute, Mallory Swanson knocked home a rebound from Smith's shot to give the USWNT the lead for good. Swanson joined Abby Wambach (2012) as the only USWNT players to score three goals in an Olympic group stage.

Late in the first half, Smith tallied her second off a deflected long-range effort that bounced off the far post and somehow found the net. Lynn Williams capped the scoring in the 89th minute.

Despite the offensive fireworks, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher deserves credit for several big saves, including an early one from point-blank range. If that goes in, we're talking about a very different game.

All three of the USWNT's starting attackers earned at least an 8.5 in Sandra Herrera's player ratings, and I was especially impressed with Rodman.

Herrera: "The Germans have few solutions to contain Rodman. She was nearly everywhere on the pitch and earned multiple fouls. Facilitated play constantly, on the opening goal and delivered the assist, and she was involved in creating the fourth goal. Rating: 8.5"

The win came a day after the USMNT U-23s recorded a 4-1 victory of its own against New Zealand. After a 3-0 loss to France to open their Summer Games, the Americans had their backs against the wall and came out absolutely flying, with Djordje Mihailovic and Walker Zimmerman (two of the team's three exceptions to the age limit rules) scoring inside the first dozen minutes. Gianluca Busio (30th minute) and Paxten Aaronson (58th) also found the back of the net.

The U.S. is in great position to advance to the quarterfinals, and Mihailovic is a big reason why, Chuck Booth writes.

🏅 2024 Paris Olympics updates, medal count: Simone Biles, Suni Lee into finals Getty Images

Here are more updates from the Olympics:

⚾ MLB trade deadline: Yankees add Jazz Chisholm, other contenders load up Getty Images

Ya like Jazz? Hope you do, Yankees fans. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is now with the Bronx Bombers, with the Yankees sending three prospects back to the Marlins. Chisholm is fun, talented and versatile, and that helped the Yankees earn an "A" in R.J. Anderson's trade grades.

Anderson: "His biggest crimes appear to be that he's excitable, stylish, and true to himself. ... He's a 26-year-old capable of playing multiple up-the-middle positions while hitting at a league-average clip. That is, has, and will always be an attractive profile. Chisholm has twice before come close to posting a 20-20 season."

The Yankees weren't the only team making significant moves. Since Friday morning's newsletter ...

With tomorrow night's MLB trade deadline fast approaching, make sure to keep our trade deadline tracker handy.

🏈 Jordan Love, Tua Tagovailoa ink huge extensions Getty Images

Five quarterbacks went in the first two rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft. Now, all five have gotten paid, big time. Jordan Love (four years, $220 million) and Tua Tagovailoa (four years, $212.4 million) signed their deals Friday, ending any and all training camp uncertainty.

Love received an NFL-record $75 million signing bonus, while Tagovailoa's $167 million guaranteed is fifth-highest in league history. Here's a look at the NFL's largest contracts, and here's how those quarterbacks' stats stack up.

Let's start with Love, 25, who was not practicing (but was present) at training camp before the deal. After sitting for three years behind Aaron Rodgers, Love finished 2023 on an absolute heater, throwing 18 touchdowns and just one interception over the Packers' final eight regular-season games. The Packers then shredded the Cowboys in the wild card round (Love threw three touchdowns) before narrowly losing to the 49ers.

The Packers' unprecedented run on quarterbacks is here to stay, Will Brinson writes.

Tagovailoa, 26, broke out statistically in 2022, but his injury issues persisted. He missed the end of the season due to yet another concussion, and at that point he had missed 15 games through three seasons. Last year, though, Tagovailoa played in all 17 games, led the league with 4,624 yards passing and helped the Dolphins make the playoffs for a second straight season, something they hadn't done since 2000-01.

Tagovailoa has the advantage of a great scheme from Mike McDaniel (who is happy to have his quarterback locked in) and two star receivers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. And the injury worries are legit. Still, Will says this one was a no-brainer.

📺 What we're watching Monday

🏅 We're watching the Olympics. Here's how.🏀 Women's Basketball: USA vs. Japan, 2:45 p.m. on USA⚾ Yankees at Phillies, 6:45 p.m. on MLB Network

Our Latest Olympics Stories

USA vs. Serbia men's basketball: Score, live updates, highlights as LeBron James, Steph Curry face off with Nikola Jokić

One of the most highly anticipated matchups of the Olympics didn't quite live up to its expectations. After a slow start, Team USA surged to a dominant 110-84 win over Serbia. The strong start sets the team up well for the rest of the group stage, and gives it a confidence boost after a near-loss to South Sudan ahead of the games.

Despite trailing early, the U.S. came back largely due to 23 points from Kevin Durant, who returned after being sidelined for most of camp with a calf injury. Durant went a perfect 5 for 5 from beyond the arc and changed the dynamic of the game when he came on in the first quarter, scoring 21 points in the first half alone. LeBron James also had a dominant game with 21 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

If only David Stern could've seen the show. The late NBA commissioner's dream of growing the highest levels of basketball far outside of the United States' borders couldn't be more evident than the reigning, three-time NBA MVP heading into the opening game of his Olympics tournament to face Team USA. But Nikola Jokić couldn't carry Serbia to victory on Sunday. The Denver Nuggets big man scored 20 points for his home nation, but could not make a dent in the United States' second-half lead.

James, Durant and the rest of Team USA's future Hall of Famers will continue on in Paris, facing South Sudan and Puerto Rico in the group stage. The team is looking for an eighth gold medal in nine tries since the Dream Team first featured NBA players at the Olympics in 1992.

Live41 updates

Final: USA 110, Serbia 84

The U.S. gets a resounding win over Serbia to start off th e Olympic group stage.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 2:04 PM EDT

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 1:55 PM EDT

Kevin Durant, who is Team USA's all-time leading scorer in men's basketball, continues to add to his tally. He now has more than 450 points in an American uniform.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 1:48 PM EDT

Easy to forget that Sunday marked Stephen Curry's Olympic debut. The guard scored 11 points and pulled down three rebounds in his first Olympic game.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 1:42 PM EDT

The U.S. will face South Sudan, who nearly beat them in an exhibition match, on Wednesday. South Sudan had thei r own win on Sunday, beating Puerto Rico 90-79.

Team USA's biggest problem against South Sudan was hitting their shots, but that wasn't a problem today: The U.S. went 62% on field goals, and 56% on three-pointers out of 32 attempts.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 1:38 PM EDT

Even with the dominant win, LeBron James isn't satisfied: The veteran said postgame that there's still more to do, and that they need to work on turnovers. The U.S. had 17 turnovers, with Serbia scoring 25 points off of the Americans' errors.

"We'll be better coming up on Wednesday," James said.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 1:30 PM EDT

Despite his best efforts — and his 20 points — big man Nikola Jokić was unable to lift Serbia over the U.S. on his own. Bogdan Bogdanovic adds 14 points and Ognjen Dobric chips in 13 points for the Serbian team in the loss.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 1:28 PM EDT

Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic didn't stop to take question s in the mixed zone after the game. LeBron James and Steph Curry were full of praise for KD, who said he was still trying to get his wind back after his first game since the playoffs.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 1:27 PM EDT

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 1:13 PM EDT

It's a true group effort for Team USA, as K evin Durant leads the team with 23 points — going 5-for-5 on three-pointers — and LeBron James pitches in a near-triple-double with 21 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Jrue Holiday gets 15 points, Devin Booker gets 12 points, and Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards get 11 each.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 1:02 PM EDT

LeBron and Kevin Durant both check out of the game — presumably for good as this one appears to be in the bag.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 1:01 PM EDT

Nikola Jokić looks pretty bummed (and tired) on the bench as Serbia takes a timeout. The Nuggets big man has 20 points in nearly 30 minutes on the floor, but has been unable to chip away at the U.S.'s lead.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 12:59 PM EDT

Steph is having himself some fun.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 12:57 PM EDT

The U.S. is up 91-73 with five left in the fourth quarter, and things have continued to groove. LeBron James and Kevin Durant will be the story of this game, but Edwards, Holiday and Curry have chipped in some points of their own.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 12:51 PM EDTEnd of 3Q: USA 84, Serbia 65

Team USA is running away with it now. They're now up 84-65 heading into the fourth quarter.

Durant currently leads the team with 23 point s, and LeBron James is holding up with 18 points. The U.S. bench is loving it.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 12:43 PM EDT

Kevin Durant has checked back into the game to chorus of cheers. He has at least one famous fan in the crowd pulling for him too.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 12:35 PM EDT

Beautifu l pass from James to a wide-open Jrue Holiday, followed by a great assist from Steph Curry to a James layup. Team USA is finding a groove; can they keep it up?

69-57, U.S.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 12:29 PM EDT

Serbian fans REALLY don't like Joel Embiid, raining down thundering boos and whistles every time he touches the ball or is shown onscreen. He's given the flagrant foul instead of James for taking down (holding up?) a Serbian player in the lane.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 12:26 PM EDT

Stoppage to sort things out after a scuffle between Aleksa Avramovic and LeBron James. Serbia is calling for a flagrant; we'll see what the referees say.

Sun, July 28, 2024 at 12:23 PM EDT

LeBron James gets an easy layup to start the second half and we're off! Jrue Holiday adds in a three-pointer and the U.S. is starting things off well. 63-51, Team USA.

Viral Photo of LeBron James at Olympics' Opening Ceremonies Sparks Memes By NBA Fans

Alex Broadway/Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James carried the American flag for Team USA alongside tennis star Coco Gauff as its boat traversed the Seine river in the pouring rain during the Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Paris on Friday evening.

Naturally, the stirring image led to many responding back with their own memes and takes.

James is aiming for his third Olympic gold medal with Team USA. He just led the Americans to a 5-0 record in exhibition games leading into Paris, notably coming through with clutch performances against South Sudan and Germany, hitting the game-winning bucket with eight seconds left of a 101-100 win in the former matchup.

The men's basketball team's first game in Paris will be against Serbia at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Kia MVP Ladder: Historic feat boosts LeBron James back into Top 10

LeBron James and Luka Doncic waged an MVP-caliber battle on Wednesday.

Setting the stage this week is Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, who became the first player to reach 39,000 career points with an early 3-pointer Tuesday in a 131-99 win against the Utah Jazz in West Group A action of the NBA In-Season Tournament.

The victory ensures home-court advantage for the Lakers in the tournament quarterfinals.

James, who turns 39 next month, followed the milestone with a tough loss Wednesday to the Dallas Mavericks. Still, the 21-year veteran ushers in a re-introduction to the Top 10 for a few of the league's mainstays in the Kia Race to the MVP Ladder.

We knew it was just a matter of time.

A stat to know: 57.8% — That's James' field-goal percentage even after hitting just 47.4% against Dallas. If this holds all season, the four-time MVP would be sitting on a career-high field goal percentage at 39 years old.

Another stat to know: 73.3% — In season 21, LeBron James is registering the best marks of his career for effective field goal percentage (65.1%) and true shooting percentage (66.9%). And that success has been both about shooting in the perimeter and finishing in the paint.

James has shot a career-best 41.4% from 3-point range. But his shots in the paint have still been worth more, because he's also shot a career-best 73.3% in the paint. (His previous high in the paint was 72.9% in 2013-14.) The percentage of his shots that have come in the paint (53%) is also his highest rate since his first season with the Lakers.

LeBron James shooting, six seasons with the Lakers

Paint Mid-range 3-point range Season FG% FGA% FG% FGA% 3P% FGA% 2018-19 62.7% 54% 43.1% 16% 33.9% 30% 2019-20 62.6% 52% 34.3% 15% 34.8% 33% 2020-21 68.0% 47% 36.4% 18% 36.5% 35% 2021-22 68.1% 48% 42.4% 15% 35.9% *37% 2022-23 65.3% 52% 36.4% 17% 32.1% 31% 2023-24 *73.3% 53% 38.7% **13% *41.4% 35%

%FGA = Percentage of total field goal attempts* Highest mark of his career** Lowest mark of his careerThrough Nov. 22, 2023

— John Schuhmann

What they're saying: "I think he should be in the MVP race because he's 38 years old. What person do you know at 38 that's been doing what he does?" – Los Angeles Lakers center Christian Wood

And now, the Top 5 in the 2023-24 Kia Race to the MVP Ladder. 

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Last week's ranking: No. 1

Season stats: 27.5 ppg, 13.1 rpg, 8.9 apg

His case: The two-time MVP and reigning Finals MVP rebounded from an ejection Monday at Detroit by logging his sixth triple-double two days later at Orlando.

Still, dropping three of the last four in Denver's current five-game road trip jeopardizes Jokic's standing. So, he needs a strong outing Friday at Houston (8 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass) against budding star Alperen Sengun, who is fresh off a season-high three blocks in a win over Memphis.

2. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Last week's ranking: No. 2

Season stats: 30.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 8.1 apg

His case: Leave it to Doncic and the Mavs to provide an early Thanksgiving feast on Wednesday with a nailbiter of a win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The 24-year-old racked up 30 points, 12 rebounds and eight dimes, including one zipped right in between James' legs.

Dallas blew a 20-point lead in the win against the Lakers and face an LA Clippers team Saturday (10:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV) that will be on the second night of a back-to-back set.

3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Last week's ranking: No. 3

Season stats: 31.9 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 6.1 apg

His case: The NBA's scoring leader missed his first game of the season Wednesday at Minnesota, but the 29-year-old should be well-rested for Saturday's game against the surging Oklahoma City Thunder (5 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass).

The reigning MVP poured in 32 points in each of his last three appearances before sitting due to left hip soreness that he's battled for more than a week. Embiid still ranks among the leaders in double-doubles (10).

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last week's ranking: No. 5

Season stats: 30.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 6.3 apg

His case: Behind Gilgeous-Alexander, the young Thunder ride a league-best six-game winning streak thanks to the 25-year-old notching his third 40-point game of the season on Wednesday that included a season-high 12 assists.

That's 20-plus points in 13 of 14 games so far and 30-plus in nine outings. He's taking advantage of every opportunity, too, sinking 42 of 43 free throws over his last five games.

5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Last week's ranking: No. 4

Season stats: 27.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 4.1 apg

His case: The 25-year-old tallied his 5,000th career point at TD Garden to join Celtics greats Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker as the only three players to accomplish that feat.

After racking up a season-high 45 points in a loss Monday at Charlotte, Tatum was listed as questionable for Wednesday with an illness. He shook that off with a 23-point, 11-rebound performance as Boston snuffed out Milwaukee's five-game winning streak.

The Next Five:

6. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (Last week: No. 6)7. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers (Last week: No. 7)8. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns (Last week: unranked)9. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (Last week: unranked)10. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers (Last week: unranked)

And five more (listed alphabetically): Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat; Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers; De'Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings; Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers; Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings.

* * *

Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.

The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Bros. Discovery.

Black Stars Celebrate The Prelude To Paris Olympics: Tyla, Snoop Dogg, LeBron James And More

Black celebrities flocked to the Fondation Louis Vuitton in France yesterday (July 25) ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, which begins tonight (July 26) in the city of lights.

LeBron James, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Ian Thorpe and Tyrese Haliburton were among the athletes who made an appearance. Other attendees included Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Zendaya, Snoop Dogg, Tyla — who also performed — Jeremy Allen White, Queen Latifah and more.

Through music, art, literature, and more, Pharrell Williams curated the event featuring artists KAWS, JR, Daniel Arsham, Derek Fordjour, Honor Titus and Julia Chiang, who designed the multiple interactive installations including a variety of games for attendees to partake in.

For the entertainment, Grammy-winner Tyla performed hits including "Water" and "Jump" as Pharrell also premiered his new single "Triumphus Cosmos."

Take a look at some of the stars from the celebratory event.

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Coco Gauff and LeBron James Cover Up in Plastic Ponchos as They Head to Rainy Olympics Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony for the 2024 Paris Summer Games has been plagued by rainy weather

Team USA/Instagram

Coco Gauff and LeBron James attempt to hide from the rain.

A little rain won't stop Coco Gauff and LeBron James as they prepare to wave the flag for Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

On Friday, July 26, the tennis champion and three-time Olympic medalist were spotted making their way to the opening ceremony of the Paris Games, where they're set to serve as flagbearers during the Parade of Nations.

Although Paris has been dealing with rainy weather all day long as tons of celebrity attendees prepare for the opening ceremony, Gauff, 20, and James, 39, came prepared to protect their custom-made Ralph Lauren red, white and blue blazers. In a video shared jointly to Team USA and the U.S. Tennis Association's Instagram accounts, the pair could be seen sporting clear plastic ponchos over their uniforms, and Gauff held a book over her head to protect her hair and makeup look.

Related: 2024 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony: Lady Gaga Sings, Team USA Floats and More Live Updates from Paris

Both Gauff, 20, and James, 39, made history when they were selected as flagbearers earlier this summer. Gauff is the first U.S. tennis player to be a flagbearer for Team USA, and James is the first men's basketball player to serve in the role.

Quinn Rooney/Getty

Lebron James ahead of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games,

The Parade of Nations will also look a little different that it normally does this year. The ceremony is being held on the Seine river, and thousands of athletes from around the world are set to to make their debut in boats, as each country's team — beginning with Greece, per tradition — sails down the Paris river.

Joe Scarnici/Getty

U.S. Olympian Coco Gauff celebrates her announcement as the US Flag Bearer at the Team USA Welcome Experience.

Related: How to Watch the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

Tons of celebrities have also arrived in Paris ahead of the opening ceremony — including Lady Gaga and Celine Dion, both of whom have been confirmed as performers ahead of the Games, which officially begins on Friday, July 26.

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On Thursday, July 25, Dion, 56, was spotted greeting fans outside the Royal Monceau Hotel in the French capital as rumors circulated about her being a featured performer, and on Friday, photos surfaced of Lady Gaga, 38, rehearsing with dancers (and battling the rain) on the shores of the Seine.

Maja Hitij/Getty

Lady Gaga rehearses prior the opening ceremony.

Also on Friday, tons of other stars stopped by the City of Light to make appearances on the red carpet by the Eiffel Tower, including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who brought some looks inspired by their roles in Wicked, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend along with their two oldest kids, daughter Luna and son Miles, Nina Dobrev and former Olympian Shaun White, YouTuber Emma Chamberlain and many, many more.

To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com to check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. And sign up for Going for Gold, our Olympics newsletter, to get the biggest stories from the Games delivered straight to your inbox. Watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, beginning July 26, on NBC and Peacock.

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Photos: LeBron James, Angel Reese, More Walk Red Carpet at 2024 Olympics Prelude

Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

The stars were out at the Olympic Prelude at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris on Thursday.

Ahead of the opening ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics, LeBron James, Angel Reese, Serena Wiliams and more walked the red carpet as festivities for the games began.

James, who is no stranger to the Olympics, will be one of the United States' flag bearers for this year's games. The Los Angeles Lakers star is competing in his fourth Olympics and will look to lead Team USA to another gold medal.

While Reese isn't participating in this year's Olympics, the WNBA's pause to allow players to compete for Team USA gave her the chance to go to Paris and support her fellow athletes.

Williams, an Olympic veteran who won't compete this year, is the co-host of Thursday's event.

Zendaya, who played a star tennis player on the big screen this year in Challengers, met actual tennis star Novak Djokovic on the red carpet.

Other stars like Naomi Osaka, Ashlyn Harris and more were also in attendance for Thursday's Olympic Prelude.

The full gallery of the stars on the red carpet can be found here.

The 2024 Paris Olympics will begin Friday with the Opening Ceremony beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET. From there, action will begin on Saturday with more than 20 events ranging from basketball to water polo.

Paris Olympics 2024: Team USA men's basketball debates best nicknames, LeBron James among top vote-getters

The United States men's basketball team is slated to begin its quest for an Olympic gold medal as the 2024 Paris Olympics get underway this month. Prior to the team's matchup against Serbia on Sunday, the NBA social media team had a little bit of fun with the players on the roster.

Members of Team USA were asked which player has the most iconic nickname, and there were a wide array of answers to the question.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Stephen Curry were the most common answers to the question. The likes of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Derrick White thought "King James" and "Chef Curry are among the most iconic nicknames on the United States roster. 

While it's hard to argue against "King James" and "Chef Curry" being the top nicknames, Joel Embiid got some love for the "The Process" -- a nod to the Philadelphia 76ers' strategy of tearing down their roster in the early 2010s and building from the ground-up around Embiid.

Curry even revealed that Embiid introduced himself as "The Process" in the Team USA group chat.

Finally, Kevin Durant's nickname of "The Slim Reaper" earned some love from his teammates. Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton stated he was a fan of that one.

"I love that nickname," Durant said. "Before, I didn't think I was worthy enough for it. I ain't do enough yet. But now?"

It's hard to argue with any of these answers as Team USA's top nickname. All of these players will be looking to live up to their nicknames when the United States begins their pursuit of winning gold at the Paris Olympics.

Coco Gauff Stunned Over Being Chosen As Team USA Flag Bearer With LeBron James For 2024 Olympics

Coco Gauff has an exciting role in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics! The tennis star will be the female flag bearer joining NBA legend LeBron James for the Opening Ceremony – and is the first tennis player to be selected, according to Team USA. In a moment caught on video, the 20-year-old appeared shocked when teammate Chris Eubanks broke the news. "I was not expecting that," the Grand Slam winner said in response, covering her hand over her mouth, before hugging Chris and adding, "Thank you, that's really cool." This will be Coco's first Olympic Games after she was forced to miss out in 2021 due to testing positive for COVID-19. The Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics will air on NBC and stream live on Peacock on July 26.

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How LeBron James got chosen to be a flag bearer for Team USA

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LeBron James to serve as Team USA's male flag bearer for Paris Olympics opening ceremony

LeBron James will carry the U.S. flag as the United States' male flag bearer at the start of the Paris Olympics.

• Download the NBA App• 2024 Olympics: Complete coverage

LONDON — LeBron James has been asked to do more than just lead USA Basketball into the Paris Games. How about an entire country?

James was selected by his Team USA peers across all sports as the flag bearer for the 2024 Olympics. He becomes the first men's player selected, following Dawn Staley for the Athens Games in 2004 and Sue Bird for the Tokyo Games in 2021.

James will lead a boat of American athletes Friday down the River Seine, the path site of the Opening Ceremony.

It marks yet another honor for the four-time NBA champion and all-time NBA leading scorer, making his fourth appearance in the Summer Games. His first Games was at age 19 in 2004. As James has often said, he's just a kid from Akron, Ohio. Indeed, he has come a long way.

James called it an "utmost honor" and added:

"It's special to get an opportunity to represent your country in another fashion. I understand how prestigious this moment is … it will live on forever."

The female U.S. flag bearer will be revealed in the coming days. The International Olympic Committee decided in 2020 that national delegations would have two flag bearers — one male, one female — at the opening ceremony of an Olympics, a move to promote gender parity. The U.S. is expected to have nearly 600 athletes in the Paris Games, about 53% of them female.

The 39-year-old James got word of the honor Monday in London, a few hours before the U.S. men's team was scheduled to play its final pre-Olympics exhibition game against World Cup champion Germany. Fellow U.S. star and first-time Olympian Stephen Curry, on behalf of the U.S. men's team, nominated James for the flag bearer role.

LeBron turns 40 in December, yet never wavered in his desire to play in Paris in 2024. He remains among the world's best players and will start for the Americans when they begin tournament play Sunday.

He's aiming for his third gold medal and USA is heavily favored to win despite steeper competition from the world.

The USA boat delegation will be next to last to ride down the river, a position traditionally given to the next host of the Summer Games. France will be the last boat.

Thousands of athletes will be part of a flotilla sailing along the River Seine at sunset toward the Eiffel Tower. The 3.7-mile route will have about 320,000 guests set to watch from the river bank and about 1 billion more, Olympic officials estimate, watching on televisions worldwide.

Not all Olympic athletes take part in the opening ceremony; many skip it for logistical reasons, such as having to compete the following day. James and the four-time defending gold medalist U.S. men don't open Olympic play until Sunday, when they face Serbia at Lille, France.

James and the U.S. Olympians will be waiting longer than almost any other nation for their trip on the Seine. By IOC custom, Greece — which will have Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo as one of its two flag bearers — will lead the procession, followed by the Refugee Olympic Team and then about 200 more national delegations.

* * *

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.

The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Bros. Discovery.

Team USA women's basketball roster, schedule for 2024 Paris Olympics: Americans eyeing eighth consecutive gold

The United States women's national basketball team has won the last seven Olympic gold medals, and in fact has not even lost a game since the semifinals of the 1992 tournament in Barcelona, Spain. Later this month, the Americans will attempt to continue their dominance over world basketball when they hit the court in search of an eighth consecutive gold medal. No country, men or women, has ever won that many gold medals in a row in basketball. 

Team USA's roster was announced last month, and WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark did not make the cut. Instead, the selection committee favored experienced veterans. The group will be led by A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, with veteran guard Diana Taurasi also back for her sixth Olympics. 

Because the WNBA is currently in season, and all 12 members of the roster are playing in the league, the Americans will have just two warm-up games before the Olympic action begins on July 29 against Japan. Team USA will play three group-stage games and must finish in the top two in their group to advance to the knockout rounds. 

Team USA roster Team USA schedule

2024 WNBA All-Star Game (Phoenix)

July 20: Team WNBA 117, Team USA 109

USA Basketball Showcase (London)

July 23: Team USA vs. Germany, 3 p.m. ET -- Fox Sports 1

2024 Olympics Group Stage (Lille)

July 29: Team USA vs. Japan, 3 p.m. ET -- NBC

Aug. 1: Team USA vs. Belgium, 3 p.m. ET -- NBC

Aug. 4: Team USA vs. Germany, 11:15 a.m. ET -- NBC

2024 Olympics Knockout Stage (Paris)

Quarterfinals, Aug. 7: Team USA vs. TBD, TBD -- NBC

Semifinals, Aug. 9: Team USA vs. TBD, TBD -- NBC

Gold medal game, Aug. 11: Team USA vs. TBD, TBD -- NBC

Team USA outlook

The American women have not lost a game in a major international tournament since 2006 and have not lost a game at the Olympics since 1992. They are, by far, the best team in the world, and are once again massive favorites to take home the gold medal. 

They will only get two games together before the Olympics start, but any lack of cohesion will be overcome by their talent advantage. Plus, the team features four members of the Las Vegas Aces, three Phoenix Mercury stars and two New York Liberty teammates, which will also help the adjustment period. 

Their group will provide a solid initial test. Japan was their opponent in the gold medal game at the Tokyo Olympics, Belgium nearly beat them in an Olympic Qualifying Tournament in February and Germany features multiple WNBA players, most notably the Sabally sisters, Satou and Nyara. 

Assuming they advance to the knockout rounds, the biggest threat there would likely be Australia, who are led by WNBA Defensive Player of the Year candidate Ezi Magbegor, WNBA Most Improved Player contender Alanna Smith and former WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson. 

Knicks' Carmelo Anthony Nearly Made LeBron James Duo Happen

Five-plus decades without a championship has given New York Knicks fans plenty of time to conjure up "what if" scenarrios and hardwood fanfiction.

Carmelo Anthony added to the ranks during a recent appearance on "Podcast P with Paul George," detailing a near team-up in Manhattan with LeBron James toward the end of the 2000s.

The ending needs little explanation, as James wound up teaming up with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade in Miami to form a fleeting yet fruitful super team with the Heat in South Beach. Anthony explained to George and his panel, which also included guest and newly-minted Knick Mikal Bridges, that the original plan was to connect with James ... preferably in New York.

"The conversation got serious after 06, 07, 08 with the Big 3. It was supposed to be Bosh and Wade and then me and Bron going somewhere. We just couldn't find out where," Anthony said. "We wanted it to be New York ... or Chicago, Chicago was in the fold."

At that time, Anthony and James were stationed with their respective original NBA employers in Denver and Cleveland. The two had formed a close friendship and had talked about collaborating on the floor but a combination of what the Nuggets had brewing and Anthony's self-described lack of "business savvy" shut things down before they could truly begin.

Pleased with the progress the Nuggets had made since he arrived in the Rockies in 2003 (going from 17 wins to three consecutive playoff appearances and breaking an 18-year division title drought in 2006), Anthony signed a five-year, $80 million extension after the 2005-06 season. James did not do the same in Cleveland (inking a three-year extension instead), setting the stage for a highly-publicized free agency pursuit in 2010.

"In my situation, I was in Denver, we were in the playoffs every year, we had 50-plus wins. We were building something in Denver, so I didn't want to leave," Anthony recalled. "So why take a three-year deal? Nah, I'm locked into this five-year deal ... then I got ridiculed for taking a five-year deal! You know where the f*** I come from? You're not leaving no money on the table."

Anthony's Nuggets continued to rise but went no further than the 2009 Western Conference Finals. He was eventually traded to the Knicks during the 2010-11 season and spent the next six full seasons in Manhattan.

By then, James had joined Bosh and Wade in Miami, indirectly rendering Anthony the Pete Best of the "Heatles" era. The trio played four seasons together and won two NBA championships before James returned to Cleveland.

Dec 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Unphased by the Heat's success, Anthony had no regrets on missing out on the South Beach craze.

"Imagine me at 23 years old, 24 years old, being the fourth option on (Miami) when I'm leading (Denver) every single year. I'm finding my way in this league," Anthony said. "You want me to leave that and go be a fourth option. I don't know how, mentally, I was going to be ready for that."

Though a championship was denied to him, Anthony still managed to put up an illustrious 19-year career that featured 10 All-Star appearances and a scoring title with the Knicks in 2013. As it stands, Anthony ranks 12th in all-time NBA points with 28,289 and is one of seven men to score at least 10,000 in a Knicks uniform.

Make sure you bookmark All Knicks for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Drake breaks silence on LeBron James rift, subtly nods to true supporters in Kendrick Lamar beef

Drake breaks his silence on the rumored rift with LeBron James, subtly acknowledging his true supporters.

The entertainment world has been abuzz with a brewing rivalry involving Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Recently, it has also drawn in NBA star LeBron James. Over the past few months, Drake has been entangled in a feud with Lamar, releasing diss tracks aimed at his fellow rapper. LeBron James, who has not publicly picked a side, has appeared to lean towards Lamar. The rumors of a rift between James and Drake have dominated headlines, but Drake recently addressed the issue with a cryptic social media post.

Drake and LeBron have shared a strong bond since Drake's early days in the music industry. James notably attended Drake's release party in Toronto in 2009, and the two have frequently appeared together publicly. However, the Drake-Lamar feud seems to have shifted James' allegiance. Multiple instances suggest James' indirect support for Lamar. James was seen enjoying Lamar's track "They Not Like Us" at the "Pop Out and Show" concert and expressed his "love" for the song during a Team USA exhibition game in Abu Dhabi, despite Steph Curry's protest against it.

In response, Drake posted Instagram stories featuring Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in their national team jerseys, conspicuously omitting LeBron. This post followed LeBron leading Team USA to victory over South Sudan in London, which many hailed as a heroic performance. By leaving James out, Drake seemed to acknowledge his true supporters. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's inclusion likely stems from their Canadian connection, while Curry's defense of Drake's music during the exhibition game may have solidified his support.

Among Drake's supporters, Kevin Durant stands out. Despite the tension surrounding "They Not Like Us" topping the Billboard Hot 100 and many NBA stars attending Lamar's concert, Durant has shown loyalty to Drake. Following the concert, Durant was spotted at Drake's mansion in Toronto, and the two were seen together at a July 4 party at Michael Rubin's mansion. These appearances suggest Durant has sided with Drake in the rapper's ongoing feud with Lamar.

Drake ignores LeBron James and fans find reasons for his controversial decision

Drake has been one of music's biggest names for quite some time, and during that run he has never hidden his love for the NBA.

Whether it be sitting courtside for his hometown Toronto Raptors, or spending time with the stars of the game, the rapper has shown he's a huge fan.

Drake's mansion is being impacted by severe weather in Toronto

One of the players he's struck up a close relationship with is Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. However, fans are wondering if something has happened between the two after a recent post by Drake.

In a recent Instagram story, Drake tweeted out pictures of three players in their national team uniforms: Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kevin Durant.

All three are known to be close friends of the rapper, with many believing James was part of the group. However, with LeBron being left out of the post, it has left fans wondering if something has happened between the two.

One fan believes that the rift between the two is down to the fact that LeBron acknowledged Kendrick Lamar, who has had a very public beef with Drake, is an incredible artist.

"Bro hurt bron fw Kendrick more than him," the fan wrote, with another stating LeBron betrayed Drake: "Cuz bron switched up."

Another fan went so far as to state that Drake wasn't happy that LeBron attended a Lamar concert and seemed to be a big fan of the track 'Not Like Us'.

"He's hurt because LeBron was vibing to 'Not Like Us' and because he pulled up to Kendrick's show," the fan wrote.

LeBron James, Team USA survive 43-point underdog South Sudan, Devin Booker huge 3 in comeback

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Steve Kerr: I'm 'Blown Away' by LeBron James' Concentration, Focus with Team USA

Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Steve Kerr has coached against LeBron James plenty of times in the NBA, but the Golden State Warriors head coach is getting an entirely different perspective on the future Hall-of-Famer's game working with him for Team USA.

Speaking to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Kerr talked about being "blown away" by James' "effort and concentration and focus" leading up to the Olympics.

"On every single drill he talks," Kerr said. "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."

James is playing on Team USA for the first time since the 2012 Olympics. He said during the 2023-24 NBA season season that he had fully committed himself to being on the U.S. squad.

"It's more miles put on these tires," said James. "But if I'm committed — which I am — to Team USA, then I'm going to commit my mind, body and soul to being out there for Team USA, representing our country with the utmost respect and go out there and play."

The results in America's three showcase games have indicated James is locked in right now. He's averaging 9.3 points on 50.0 percent shooting (11-of-22) with 2.7 assists and 2.7 assists per contest.

Kerr hasn't used James for more than 21 minutes in a game thus far. He could receive a heavier workload when the Olympics begin, but the U.S. team is loaded with talent that there are no shortage of options to choose from.

One thing that Kerr has done in these tune-up games is tinker with his starting lineup, except for three spots. James, Stephen Curry and Joel Embiid have been in the starting five in all three games.

Kevin Durant's return to practice on Friday after missing two weeks with a strained calf adds another starting option for Kerr to choose from when he's ready to play in games.

James is going to be the leader of this team by virtue of his status as a legend and facilitator on the court. He's still capable of taking over as a scorer when he wants to, but players like Curry, Durant, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards can take some of the pressure off his shoulders.

The United States will play two games at O2 Arena in London against South Sudan on Saturday and Germany on Monday before traveling to Paris for the start of the Olympics.

It’s not the Bronny-LeBron setup, but Caron Butler’s son JC pursues Heat hopes the hard way

LAS VEGAS — This is the other side of NBA nepotism. This is when the door is barely slightly ajar, instead of swung wide open.

So, no, JC Butler is not enjoying the NBA experience of Bronny James this summer. This is the story of being the son of Caron Butler instead of the son of LeBron James.

And in this case, both father, the former Heat forward and current assistant coach, and son, a longshot Heat summer-league prospect out of UC-Irvine, are fine with the opportunity at hand.

At some point this season, you will see Bronny James in the NBA, even with a resume that included a 4.8 scoring average in a single season at Southern Cal.

More than likely you won't be seeing JC Butler, whose four-year college career included a season averaging 6.2 points.

The common bond? Fathers proud of their sons.

Including the father of the longest of the longshots.

"He's doing a hell of a job just finding his way and earning his way through the process, so I'm extremely proud of him," Caron Butler said, as the Heat work through the NBA Summer League on the UNLV campus, including a Friday night game against the Toronto Raptors' summer roster.

Based on the level of competition in college and relatively meager statistics, there is little doubt that a famous father opened a door for JC Butler.

"I try to not really look into it too much," the younger Butler said of this longshot opportunity, "and just control what I can control and make the most of the opportunities that I'm given."

For Bronny James, there is a four-year, $8 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

For JC Butler, there is summer-league per diem.

And a proud father who gets to watch a son pursue a dream.

When the idea of a run with the Heat first was broached, Caron Butler wished his son luck and sent him on his way . . . to an open-call tryout with the G League Sioux Falls Skyforce, as in Sioux Falls, S.D.

"He moved out to Sioux Falls with a lunch-pail mentality, obviously on his own dime, went to try out for the team, eventually making it at the end of the season," Caron Butler explained.

And then his son came back this offseason seeking more.

"He came here early to try out and  work out with the summer squad," Caron Butler continued. "Was in Miami for six weeks and then got the nod. Now he's on the roster. So it's been a process for him, so it's something that he's embracing."

Even in its summer form, JC Butler said he can appreciate what his father appreciates about Heat culture.

"For sure," he said. "I can definitely feel the family culture and I definitely appreciate it. From the first day I stepped foot in the arena, it felt like family. Everybody was really welcoming and super helpful and it was a great process."

With no guarantee of playing time, of which there has been precious little through the first two weeks of summer league.

"The dream dies when you stop competing and trying. That's when the dream dies," said Caron Butler, whose own path to the NBA included a climb from a youth reformatory in Wisconsin. "But if you continue to pursue, opportunity will meet preparation at some point. So you just got to stay consistent in that space. That's what he's about and bought into.

"And that's why I'm so proud of him, because he has this dream of, 'This is what I'm going to do.' And it's my job as a dad to see it through for him and be his biggest fan, biggest supporter. And that's what we've been doing as a family, rallying around his efforts and extremely proud of him."

Reaching such heights, particularly the bar set by a father who played in the NBA for 14 years before later moving on to become a Heat assistant coach in 2020, stands as the ultimate challenge.

"It's always been my No. 1 goal and the biggest dream of mine, for sure," JC Butler said. "But that's what we go to school for, to have a backup plan, to have things set up for after basketball, but the NBA has definitely been my No. 1 goal."

And if that means remaining in the Heat's summer program beyond summer league  to work out prospects more likely to make the camp roster, so be it.

As it was, the younger Butler was part of the defensive closeout drill this spring at Kaseya Center when Nikola Jovic suffered the ankle injury that put the Olympic hopes of the Heat forward in question.

"Anytime anyone goes down we pray for the best immediately," the younger Butler said of that moment. "It is one of those things that's out of our control. But prayers up for sure and we hope for the best."

As for his own prayers, even a ticket back to Sioux Falls would be embraced.

"I'm from the Midwest, so it was not really too much of a culture shock for me," JC said of his time with the Skyforce. "The environment was great, just hard work. All the guys there were super helpful and super welcoming. I just loved it out there, honestly."

Originally Published: July 19, 2024 at 10:21 a.m.

Lakers' LeBron James lands behind 3 superstar athletes on ESPN's Top 100 of 21st century

LeBron James is easily one of the greatest athletes of all time. The star forward has been dominating the league for 21 seasons and counting, and he's shown no signs of slowing down to this point. Everyone knows that he's the greatest basketball player to take the court since the turn of the century, but is he the greatest athlete since the turn of the century?

A list was put out by ESPN recently that ranked the top 100 athletes of the 21st century, and everyone figured that LeBron would come in towards the top of the list. While he was easily the highest ranked basketball player, he ended up settling in at fourth on the list. The three athletes who came in ahead of him (from 1-3) were Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, tennis star Serena Williams, and soccer legend Lionel Messi.

Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Network

Coming in behind these three superstars is nothing to be ashamed about. Phelps is easily the greatest swimmer of all time, as he's won 23 Olympic gold medals, including a record-setting eight at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His consistent greatness on arguably the biggest global stage sports has to offer helped him earn the top spot on this list.

Behind him is Williams, who is a 23-time major champion, which is the second most of any tennis player of all-time. And then in third was Messi, who has been at the top of the soccer world for as long as James has been in the basketball world. It's clear all of these athletes are legends, and it's incredibly tough to choose between them.

Basketball fans will obviously be biased, but it's fair to wonder whether James should be higher. He still has time to add to his legacy, and another championship with the Lakers certainly wouldn't hurt. But considering all he's accomplished, and all the records he already holds, should he be in one of the top three spots?

Truthfully, it's tough to tell, as you can't really go wrong with any of these star athletes once you get to the top. Heck, Tom Brady, who is widely considered the greatest player in NFL history, came in behind James on this list at number five, so maybe coming in at four isn't all that bad.

Regardless, James should be thrilled to earn a spot this high on the list, as it goes to show how secure his legacy is in not just the world of basketball, but the world of sports as a whole. And as he prepares for his mind-boggling 22nd season in the NBA, it will be worth keeping an eye on his performance to see if he can somehow continue to add to his already well-established legacy.