Stephen Curry delivers legacy-altering assist to LeBron James at Olympics

LeBron James and Stephen Curry produced what ranks among the greatest rivalries in NBA history. They met in four consecutive NBA Finals between 2014-15 and 2017-18, and crossed paths yet again in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals when the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors.

Curry and James will now take the court in a completely different capacity at the 2024 Summer Olympics: As teammates.

The two preeminent stars of their generation have won a combined eight championships, six MVPs, five Finals MVPs, and three scoring titles. Entering the Summer Olympics, however, there was one honor that neither Curry nor James, nor any other men's basketball player had ever received: Torchbearer.

According to a press release by USA Basketball, Curry provided the ultimate assist by nominating James to make history as the first men's basketball player to bear the flag for the United States of America at the Olympics.

"James was nominated on behalf of the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team by teammate and first-time Olympian Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)."

It's a wonderful gesture by Curry, who has helped James secure an opportunity to represent his country on the grandest stage in sports.

Stephen Curry nominated LeBron James as Team USA flag bearer

Until 2024, the only two American basketball players who had received the honor of flag bearer were Dawn Staley in 2004 and Sue Bird in 2020. It's only fitting that the player who makes history on the men's side is one of the greatest of all time.

It's made even more profound by the fact that perhaps James' great rival is the player who nominated him for the honor of bearing the flag.

The opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris took place on Friday, July 26. It marked the beginning of Team USA's pursuit of a fifth consecutive gold medal in men's basketball, which would extend the longest streak since the Americans won every gold medal between 1936 and 1972.

Team USA would also potentially win its record-extending 17th Olympic gold medal, as well as becoming the first country to reach 20 total medals in men's basketball.

Curry and James will be leaned on to guide a team that struggled at times during the USA Basketball Showcase. It went 5-0 during those exhibition games, but concerns persist about the quality of its play.

Team USA was pushed to its limit on several occasions, including a 101-100 comeback victory over South Sudan.

Thankfully, Curry and James stepped up with explosive performances during times of need. Lakers star Anthony Davis, meanwhile, has paced Team USA's defense as its anchor and one of its most consistently productive players.

Team USA tips off on Sunday, July 28 against Nikola Jokic and Serbia in a clash that's certain to test James, Curry, Davis, and every American hoping to capture an Olympic gold medal.

This assist from Curry to James is a promising sign that they'll achieve those ambitious dreams.