A Rare Feat: Dunking on LeBron James
Few players can lay claim to the extraordinary honor of dunking on LeBron James, one of basketball’s most revered figures. James, renowned for his exceptional basketball IQ and unrivaled athletic prowess, is rarely caught out of position on the court. Yet, occasionally, there are moments of sporting brilliance that manage to surprise even the best.
One such moment occurred six years ago in Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals when a then-rookie Jayson Tatum threw down an unforgettable slam on James. That play is often cited as the defining highlight of Tatum’s burgeoning career. But Tatum isn’t alone in this exclusive club.
This year, at the Olympics, French forward Guerschon Yabusele etched his name into basketball history with a powerful dunk over LeBron James during the gold medal game between France and Team USA. The spotlight shone on Yabusele in the second quarter when he maneuvered past Devin Booker on the perimeter. With James rotating in to position himself for a charge, Yabusele took off and finished with a ferocious dunk, even drawing a foul in the process.
A Rising Star
Yabusele’s feat was not just a singular moment of brilliance but a part of a broader narrative highlighting his emergence as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. France’s tactical decision to adopt a smaller lineup and limit Rudy Gobert's minutes during the knockout stages granted Yabusele the opportunity to shine. His performance has been marked by an indomitable motor and strength, consistently turning him into a formidable force inside the paint. Moreover, his shooting prowess added another dimension, keeping opposing defenses constantly on edge.
Selected as the No. 16 pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele’s initial stint in the NBA did not unfold as expected. Since 2019, he has been plying his trade professionally abroad and is currently a valuable member of Real Madrid’s squad. Despite past setbacks, his recent performances have rekindled his aspirations for an NBA return. In a conversation with The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, Yabusele enthused, “You gotta tell (the Celtics) to bring me back.”
A Golden Moment in Athens
During the gold medal game against Team USA, Yabusele exemplified the resilience and flair that had made him a standout player in the tournament. His highlight reel dunk over LeBron was not just a flash in the pan but indicative of his broader impact. Guerschon Yabusele’s recent form has given France a significant advantage on the international stage, culminating in moments that are now cemented in basketball lore.
Yabusele’s journey reflects both the unpredictable nature of sports and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His ability to rise to the occasion against some of the best talent in the world serves as a testament to his potential to compete at the highest level. While his past NBA stint was underwhelming, his recent performances have earned him not just accolades but also a renewed interest from top-tier basketball circles.
As the world watches, Yabusele has firmly established his presence and continues to demonstrate that talent and hard work can indeed carve out historic moments. Whether or not an NBA return materializes, his name will forever be associated with one of basketball’s rarest achievements—dunking on the iconic LeBron James.