"Incredible honor"

NBA star LeBron James to carry USA flag at the Olympics

Basketball superstar LeBron James(Bild: AP/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Four-time NBA champion LeBron James will be the male flag bearer for the US team at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris on Friday. 

The 39-year-old, who has already won two Olympic gold medals in basketball, will be taking part in his fourth Games. James spoke of an "incredible honor". "Sport has the power to bring us all together and I am proud to be a part of this important moment."

His female counterpart, selected by a vote among Team USA athletes, will be announced on Tuesday. This time, the opening ceremony will not take place in a stadium, but over a 6-kilometer course on boats on the Seine.