LeBron James Hyped as Team USA’s ‘Alpha’ After Close Win vs. Germany Before Olympics

LeBron James Hyped as Team USA’s ‘Alpha’ After Close Win vs. Germany Before Olympics

It’s safe to say LeBron James is ready for Paris.

The Los Angeles Lakers star bailed out Team USA and led the Red, White and Blue to a 92-88 victory over Germany in their final exhibition contest ahead of the 2024 Olympics on Monday in London.

James finished with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists in the win, but it was his ability to take over in crunch time that stood out more than his overall numbers.

Just when it seemed like Germany was going to secure the win, the King sensed the moment like he has so many times throughout his career. He bullied his way into the lane for two clutch baskets, drilled a three-pointer to extend the lead from one to four in the final two minutes and then put the finishing touches on the win by overpowering defenders down low for another basket.

With James headlining plenty of star power, the Americans are expected to win the gold medal. However, he also had to save them in their last exhibition game against South Sudan when he capped off a double-digit comeback by scoring the go-ahead basket in the last seconds.

Monday’s game was an opportunity to make a statement against the same Germany program that won the 2023 FIBA World Cup after defeating the USA in the semifinals. Germany also features notable names in Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, Daniel Theis and Moritz Wagner.

James threw down a monster reverse slam for the opening basket, and the Americans seemed like they were on their way to making that statement after they built a double-digit lead in the first quarter. But Germany fought back

The challengers continued to chip away until they took the lead with a Theis three in the third quarter.

Germany then started to control the pace with the lead in the fourth quarter with Andreas Obst hitting from the outside, Schröder setting up teammates on the pick-and-roll, Moritz Wagner mixing it up with the Americans’ star big men, and Franz Wagner doing a little bit of everything.

Yet Team USA head coach Steve Kerr probably didn’t mind the pressure being dialed up heading into the final quarter of the exhibition slate, and a familiar source answered the call.

Relying on a 39-year-old to take over in crunch time may not be the best formula for sustained success, but James is no regular 39-year-old. He proved that once again Monday and will have plenty of individual momentum going into Sunday’s Olympics opener against Serbia.