One of the most decorated basketball players in the world, LeBron James has long been in the spotlight. And you would imagine that the man would be used to it by now. But it seems like being chosen as the Team USA flag-bearer stirred a new wave of nerves in him. Appearing in a live episode of The Shop with host Paul Rivera and guests, Damson Idris and Tems, LeBron detailed his state of mind at the momentous occasion.

“Once we actually got to the opening ceremony, it was like five minutes until it’s time for you to go up there and carry the flag, I started to feel very nervous, you know, super nervous. I get nerves before every ball game too, but this is different nerves. I was representing the entire country at that moment,” James admitted.

With this, LeBron James became the first male basketball player to be selected as the U.S. opening ceremony flag-bearer. The significance of the honor seems to have just dawned on him then. To be selected among the many worthy athletes speaks volumes about the kind of respect and admiration the NBA’s all-time scorer has garnered over the years. And continues to do so.

But perhaps more importantly, it showed us that underneath all that kingly, superhuman talent lies a simple man who just admitted to being nervous before every matchup. Regardless, do you know what could perhaps surpass the prestigious honor? Well, we wouldn’t say surpass, but … close enough.

Steph Curry’s nomination video and Savannah stirred wholesome emotions in LeBron James

As an athlete, being the flag-bearer is certainly a great honor. But do you know what makes it even better? When your teammates bestow the honor upon you. But do you know what makes it even better? When you hear why they chose to do that. That was the situation LeBron James found himself in ahead of the Paris Olympics.

Stephen Curry laid out his reasons for nominating Bron as the Team USA flag bearer and suffice it to say that it was the ultimate form of respect from one legend to another. “He has represented what it means to be excellent both on and off the court in his commitment to service and to uplifting the community in all ways that he knows how has been a lifelong passion and the work speaks for itself,” Curry said in the video.

Of course, everything Curry mentioned was bare facts that have been acknowledged over and over again by the world. And what did the ‘Akron Hammer’ have to say to that? “He’s an unbelievable person! Unbelievable guy and I thank him for what he did,” he said, clearly moved by his words.

But it wasn’t just the ‘Chef’ who had a special for James. Bron’s wife also congratulated him on the great honor as well as his family, bringing the moment full circle.

What was your first thought when you heard LeBron James was to be the U.S. flag-bearer? Do you think someone else on the team or perhaps another U.S. athlete should have received the honor? Let us know in the comments.