The American pair overcame inclement conditions in the French city, winning three sets to none, 15-21, 21-16, and 15-12. It happened a week after the Lakers star grabbed the American flag during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics, making headlines.

The four-time NBA champion, who carried the flag for the country alongside tennis player Coco Gauff, was spotted last Friday on the front of a boat that was cruising down the Seine. Numerous people immediately made analogies to the well-known picture of George Washington crossing the Delaware River in 1776.

One admirer joked on X, “LeBron James looks like he just founded America,” next to the photo of the player.

Another person sarcastically chimed in, “General LeBron James crossing the Delaware,” while a third person remarked, “LeBron James invented the United States.”

Surrounded by roughly 600 athletes from America, the basketball legend was drenched in rain during the now-viral photo shoot. When LeBron was selected as a flagbearer last month, he stated, “It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together.”

He continued, “As a young person from Akron, this responsibility means everything to me, my family, all the children in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians, and a great number of people with high aspirations across the nation.”

“Sports have the ability to unite people, and I’m honored to be a part of this significant occasion.”

During the ceremony, the gold medalist—who is competing in his fourth Olympic Games—was also live interviewed by NBC.

“It gives everybody so much hope where we come from,” he continued, speaking for himself and Coco as we represented our nation, our culture, and our origins as black children.