LeBron James experienced an embarrassing mix-up at the Paris Olympics when he wrongly thought the crowd’s cheers were in his honor during Team USA’s quarterfinal game against Brazil. The actual recipient of the applause was Leon Marchand, the French swimmer who captured four gold medals and one silver in the Olympics.
Marchand, who was in attendance at the basketball game, received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the audience. According to Larry Brown Sports, James’s reaction, which included waving and a crown gesture, was due to his belief that the cheers were for him. The New York Post clarified that the cheers were directed at Marchand, not James.
James, 39, had a solid performance with 12 points, nine assists, and three rebounds, aiding Team USA in their 122-87 win. They are now set to face Serbia in the semifinals. James also suffered an injury from an elbow to the eye, which required four stitches but did not hinder his on-court performance.
This amusing incident underscores the sometimes comical side of sports and the occasional confusion that can arise in the excitement of live events.
