LeBron James Dunked on in Olympics: The Rise of Guerschon Yabusele
Very few players know the honor of dunking on LeBron James, one of the most revered athletes in the history of basketball. James, with his remarkable basketball IQ and natural athleticism, is rarely out of position. However, during this year's Olympics, French forward Guerschon Yabusele achieved this rare feat in a play that has since become iconic.
The moment occurred during the gold medal game between France and Team USA. In the second quarter, Yabusele maneuvered past Devin Booker on the perimeter and found himself face-to-face with LeBron James, who had rotated to position himself for a charge. Yabusele finished with a powerful dunk, drawing a foul in the process. This extraordinary play not only showcased Yabusele’s athleticism but also cemented his place in the annals of basketball history.
The play evoked memories of another famous dunk on James. Six years ago, in Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, a rookie named Jayson Tatum threw down a slam on James, creating a memorable highlight in his early career. For Yabusele, his dunk on LeBron during the Olympics might become a similarly defining career moment.
Beyond the dunk, Yabusele has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. Often playing as an undersized center, he took full advantage of France's tactical decision to play smaller lineups and limit Rudy Gobert's minutes during the knockout stages, which allowed him to shine. His relentless motor and strength turned him into a force inside, while his shooting ability kept opposing defenses on their toes.
Yabusele’s journey to becoming an Olympic standout has been anything but straightforward. The Boston Celtics drafted him as the No. 16 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, but his initial NBA career didn't pan out as hoped. By 2019, he had transitioned to playing professionally abroad and is currently a member of Real Madrid. Despite his challenges, Yabusele has never given up on his NBA aspirations. “You gotta tell (the Celtics) to bring me back,” he told The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, indicating his interest in returning to the league if the opportunity arises.
Yabusele’s recent performance is a strong indicator of his potential to compete at the highest level. His play has given France a significant advantage throughout the tournament, and his exploits against Team USA's elite squad only enhanced his reputation. The dunk on James, in particular, serves as a testament to his fearlessness and ability to perform under pressure.
The recognition Yabusele has earned through his performance at the Olympics could reopen doors in the NBA. His athleticism, coupled with his ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions, makes him an enticing prospect for any team looking to bolster their frontcourt. For now, Yabusele continues to make his mark overseas, but if his Olympics performance is any indication, a return to the NBA might just be on the horizon.
As the dust settles on this year’s Olympic games, one thing remains clear: Guerschon Yabusele has proven that he belongs among basketball's elite. Whether or not he returns to the NBA, his legacy includes a highlight that few can claim—the honor of dunking on LeBron James.