Very few players can boast about the honor of dunking on LeBron James, one of basketball’s most revered athletes. With a combination of a high basketball IQ and natural athleticism, James is rarely out of position on the court. However, two standout moments have punctured this narrative, most recently during a gold medal game at this year's Olympics.
A Rookie's Triumph
Six years ago, in Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference finals, Jayson Tatum, then a rookie, achieved a career-highlight moment by throwing down a memorable slam on James. The play remains arguably the most famous in Tatum’s career, a testament to James's towering presence and the rarity of such an event.
Olympic Upset
This year, another player etched his name into history by dunking on LeBron James. During the gold medal game between France and Team USA, French forward Guerschon Yabusele delivered a powerful dunk over James. The sequence was set in motion in the second quarter when Yabusele artfully maneuvered past Devin Booker on the perimeter. LeBron rotated into position to take the charge but ended up becoming part of Yabusele's defining highlight. The Frenchman not only completed the dunk but also drew a foul on the play.
Rising Star of the Tournament
Yabusele has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament, a status enabled by tactical adjustments from the French team. Opting to play smaller lineups and limiting Rudy Gobert’s minutes, France allowed Yabusele to step into the spotlight. Possessing a relentless motor and impressive strength, he turned into a force within the paint.
Beyond his physical prowess, Yabusele's shooting ability kept opposing defenses on their toes, further underlining his versatility. This balanced skill set has provided France with a significant advantage throughout the tournament.
Career Highlights and Future Aspirations
Drafted as the No. 16 pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele initially struggled to make a lasting impact in the NBA. Since 2019, he has been showcasing his talents abroad and is currently playing for Real Madrid. Despite the setbacks in his early NBA career, Yabusele has expressed a strong desire to return to the league if the opportunity arises. Reflecting this sentiment, he told The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, "You gotta tell (the Celtics) to bring me back."
Yabusele's recent performance against Team USA serves as a strong indicator of his potential to compete at the highest level. His contribution has significantly bolstered France’s performance, particularly throughout the knockout stages of the tournament.
Cementing a Legacy
Yabusele's dunk over LeBron James has undoubtedly cemented his place in the annals of basketball history. It represents not just a personal milestone but also a broader statement about his capabilities and future prospects in professional basketball. While his career has taken various turns, moments like these offer a glimpse of his untapped potential and a possible resurgence if he returns to the NBA.
As the basketball world continues to watch, Yabusele stands poised at the threshold of a promising new chapter, driven by a relentless spirit and the hunger to excel at the highest levels of the sport.