Very few athletes have had the chance to experience the rare honor of dunking on LeBron James, who is widely revered as one of the greatest basketball players in history. Known for his exceptional basketball IQ and natural athleticism, James is seldom caught out of position. However, those unique occasions when he is, indeed, make headlines.
Six years ago, in the decisive Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, a fresh-faced rookie by the name of Jayson Tatum stunned the audience and LeBron himself with a spectacular dunk. That moment has become one of the defining highlights of Tatum’s blossoming career. But Tatum is not the only player to etch his name into the annals of basketball lore by rising above the King.
An equally memorable instance happened in this year's Olympic Games. French forward Guerschon Yabusele delivered an electrifying moment during the highly anticipated gold medal game between France and Team USA. Yabusele’s slam came in the second quarter, as he navigated past Devin Booker on the perimeter. With LeBron James rotating over to set up for a charge, the Frenchman seized the opportunity. He finished with a powerful dunk over James and even drew a foul in the process. The move was not just a decisive play in the game, but also a career-defining moment for Yabusele, elevating his profile significantly.
Up until that remarkable dunk, Yabusele had already been making waves as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. His relentless motor and imposing strength turned him into a formidable force on the inside, while his shooting kept opposing defenses on high alert. France’s tactical decision to play a smaller lineup during the knockout stages, thereby limiting Rudy Gobert's minutes, allowed Yabusele to shine brightly on the international stage.
Drafted 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele's initial stint in the NBA didn't unfold as he had hoped. Since 2019, he has been playing professionally abroad and is currently a key player for Real Madrid. Despite his success overseas, Yabusele has never lost sight of his NBA dreams. His performance during these Olympics solidified his belief in his ability to compete at the highest level.
In a post-game interview, Yabusele conveyed his aspirations, stating, “You gotta tell (the Celtics) to bring me back.” It’s a message that may very well resonate, especially considering how he has showcased his growth and potential on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
Yabusele’s standout performance in Tokyo not only gave France a crucial advantage but also made a compelling case for his potential NBA return. His impact during the tournament demonstrated his ability to perform and excel against the world’s best, a narrative that is hard for NBA teams to ignore. By dunking on LeBron James, Yabusele did more than just score two points; he cemented his place in basketball history and renewed interest in what he can offer at the highest level of the sport.
As the tournament closed and the Olympic flame dimmed, Yabusele’s accomplishments left an indelible mark. His exceptional athleticism, combined with a refined skill set, suggests that the next chapter of his career, whether it unfolds in the NBA or continues abroad, holds promise and potential. For now, the basketball world will watch and wait, eager to see where his journey will lead.