In his record fourth Olympics, LeBron James is trotting toward becoming the MVP of the competition. With a colorful legacy that spans over two decades, the feeling of glory isn’t foreign to him. Yes, the thirst for his gold is still as rambunctious as ever, but he already has two in his vault among the countless other talismans. So what’s pushing the King to conquer even after he has it all? The answer is the heartbreak he experienced in 2004.

After dedicating an exclusive commercial for Kevin Durant after he became the all-time Team USA scorer, Nike is back with a preliminary advert for James. The advert explores the competitive mindset of LeBron James, who, at the age of 39, is playing one of his finest Olympics ever. And the reason behind it isn’t the desire for another gold. It’s the frustrations of failing 20 years ago in Athens.

“I’m going for my third gold medal. But I’m still thinking about my first bronze,” James said in Nike’s latest ‘Winning Isn’t For Everyone’ Ad Campaign. He even co-signed to the sentiments on his Instagram story writing, “Still to this day”.

Fresh from winning ROTY in his debut season, LeBron James was a part of the 2004 Athens squad tasked with reclaiming gold honors and continuing Team USA’s domineering streak. But instead, the lack of camaraderie and togetherness led to one of the biggest upsets. A third-place finish and an Olympic bronze on his resume.

It was a frustrating trip for the Akron Hammer In the Redeem Team documentary. He even claimed his experience had killed any ambitions of playing for Team USA again. But not only did he step up as the core player four years later. But LeBron James ensured Team USA never sees failure with him ever again. Beneath his vigorous campaigns and dominant play was the rage of the egregious disappointment from 2004.

Now, two decades later, not only has that carried him to another gold medal clash, but James is unloading all his weapons to mark his USA legacy.

LeBron James is channeling the 2004 debacle and playing like an MVP

Even though surrounded by the allure of the NBA’s most credible stars, James continues to shine. His recent notable performance came in the semifinals against Serbia. Logging a 16-point triple-double, he became the only man in Olympic history to do it twice. Furthermore, he was pivotal in the 13-0 run that ultimately stole the game from within Nikola Jokic and Serbia’s grasp.

And he has done this throughout the tournament. In five games, the veteran Team USA warrior has averaged 14.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 7 rebounds per game. He leads the star-studded team in all the major categories while also having the highest efficiency rating. Using his passing expertise and debunking his opponents’ schemes on the go, the King has arguably been Steve Kerr’s focal man on a team adorned with NBA greats.

Now, all that’s left is one game to hoist gold for the third time in his career. Going up against the hosts in France, LeBron James and Team USA have prepared for this very moment. Do you think they will get the job done, or will the anomaly Victor Wembanyama and his France teammates claim the spoils? Let us know what you think in the comments below.