Paris 2024: LeBron James barred from entering court in bizarre moment during USA win over Serbia
By Oli Gent
Updated 28/07/2024 at 22:08 GMT+1
LeBron James was not allowed to enter the court in the United States' opening group game at Paris 2024. James was stripping off in preparation to come on against Nikola Jovic's Serbia in the second quarter, but was stopped in his tracks by one of the referees courtside. Steve Kerr's Team USA led 56-49 at the time of the incident, and went on to record a 110-84 victory. They face South Sudan next.
'They're not letting him in!' - LeBron 'appeals his case' in bizarre scene with officials
Video credit: TNT Sports
There was a bizarre moment in the United States’ opening game of the men’s basketball at Paris 2024 when NBA star LeBron James was not allowed to take to the court.
Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors and Team USA coach, wanted to send James on in the second quarter in his side’s opener against Nikola Jokic’s Serbia in Lille.
Team USA were leading 56-49 at the time, but the game was held up as James prepared to take to the court, whipping his tracksuit top off before being held up on the sideline by one of the referees.
“LeBron James coming in… if he’s given the green light,” came the reaction from the Eurosport commentary box.
“I’m not sure if the referees are going to let him in because it was a technical delay that slowed the game down. He’s certainly appealing his case, LeBron!”
James, who is making his Olympics return after 12 years, argued his case adamantly courtside, and was echoed by Kerr amid bafflement on the American bench with it being unclear why James could not enter proceedings.
“The man who may go down ultimately as 'The GOAT' has plenty to say; I’m not sure he’s going to get the answer he wants,” the Eurosport commentators said.
Ultimately, James, the Los Angeles Lakers power forward, helped the US to an eventually comfortable victory to get their group stage off to a winning start.
James tallied 21 points, seven rebounds and nine assists, while Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns top-scored with 23.
Jokic, the Denver Nuggets centre, led Serbia with 20 points.
The US face South Sudan in the next group game in Lille, a rematch of their 101-100 close shave victory in London earlier in the week.
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James and Gauff wave flag as Team USA arrive at Opening Ceremony
Video credit: TNT Sports
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