
USA basketball star LeBron James experienced an awkward moment during the Paris Olympics when he mistakenly thought the crowd’s cheers were meant for him. During Team USA’s quarterfinal game against Brazil, the crowd erupted in applause, and James assumed it was directed at him. He responded with a wave and a crown gesture, only to find out that the cheers were actually for French swimmer Leon Marchand.
Marchand, a 22-year-old French swimmer, had recently achieved remarkable success by winning four gold medals and one silver at the Olympics. He was attending the basketball game, and the crowd gave him a warm reception as he entered the arena, according to the New York Post. James’s confusion might have been heightened by being shown on the jumbotron during the cheering.
James, 39, had a strong performance in the game, contributing 12 points, nine assists, three rebounds, and three steals. Team USA triumphed over Brazil with a score of 122-87, securing their place in the semifinals. They will face Serbia in their next match, with the winner advancing to the finals.
However, the game wasn’t without its challenges for James. He suffered an injury when he took an elbow to the eye, requiring four stitches. Despite this setback, James’s performance helped propel Team USA forward in the tournament.