In a memorable blunder at the Paris Olympics, basketball player LeBron James misinterpreted the crowd’s cheers as admiration for him during Team USA’s game against Brazil. The audience’s standing ovation was actually for French swimmer Leon Marchand, who was present at the game. James responded to the applause with gestures, mistakenly believing it was meant for him.
Marchand, celebrated for winning four gold medals and one silver at the Paris Games, was the real focus of the crowd’s enthusiasm. The New York Post reported that Marchand’s appearance at the basketball game prompted a lively reception from fans, while James was caught on camera reacting to what he thought were cheers for him.
James, aged 39, played a crucial role in Team USA’s 122-87 victory over Brazil, scoring 12 points and adding nine assists. This win ensured their advancement to the semifinals, where they will take on Serbia. Despite his strong performance, James suffered an injury during the game, taking an elbow to the eye and requiring four stitches.
This mix-up highlights the sometimes humorous and unpredictable nature of live sports events, especially when high-profile athletes are involved.
