Twenty-seven years ago, Michael Jordan was preparing for his final season with the Chicago Bulls in the NBA, wanting to conclude his career with the team he represented since 1984 in the best possible way: by winning the NBA title for the sixth time. At that time, Jordan realized that the Chicago Bulls' management believed the team's era with its players had ended, but he fought to maintain the core of the team and legendary coach Phil Jackson to achieve the sixth consecutive title, believing it was still too early for a rebuilding process.
Before the season began, the Chicago Bulls took part in a preseason tournament in Paris, where the spotlight was on Jordan, proving he was a global legend and one of the leading sports stars. This was the focus of the documentary series "The Last Dance," which highlighted the player's final season with the team. Indeed, Jordan's prophecy came true, as the Chicago Bulls managed to secure the league title at the end of the season after defeating the Utah Jazz in the finals, and we never saw the legendary star in the red jersey afterward.
**Paris... the Last Chapter Again**
These days, LeBron James is living a similar situation, as he aims to represent the United States in the Paris 2024 Olympics, setting his sights on winning his third Olympic gold medal in his illustrious career, noting that he won a bronze medal at the Athens 2004 Olympics.
James is 39 years old and has won the NBA title four times with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He has also won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award four times and has accomplished nearly everything in the basketball world. However, his constant hunger for titles drives him to want to continue his successful career.
Alongside inspiring players like Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, and Jayson Tatum, James faces a tough Olympic challenge because basketball has become more globally competitive than ever, with other teams like Canada, Australia, Spain, and France capable of competing for the gold.
**A Unique Goal**
James insists he aims to continue playing into his forties, as long as his physical condition allows it, ensuring him a unique wish to play alongside his son Bronny on the same team. The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James in the draft before the start of the season, and he is set to join his father LeBron, making them the first father and son to play on the same team in NBA history.
However, it is certain that his international career will conclude at the Paris Olympics, making way for a new generation of players who can lead the U.S. team to new titles. Paris will witness his last dance with the Dream Team, just as it did with Jordan's last dance with the Chicago Bulls.
