Very few players know the honor of dunking on LeBron James, one of the most revered athletes in the history of basketball. Known for his remarkable basketball IQ and natural athleticism, James is rarely out of position. However, two players now share the uncommon achievement of getting the better of LeBron at the rim: Jayson Tatum and, more recently, French forward Guerschon Yabusele.
Six years ago, in Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, a rookie named Jayson Tatum threw down a memorable slam on James, a moment that remains one of the most famous plays of Tatum’s career. Fast forward to this year's Olympics and another standout play featuring LeBron finds him on the receiving end of a jaw-dropping dunk. This time, it was Guerschon Yabusele in the spotlight.
Yabusele’s moment came in the gold medal game between France and Team USA. During the second quarter, Yabusele maneuvered past Devin Booker on the perimeter with agility and finesse. As LeBron James rotated to position himself for a charge, the Frenchman finished with a powerful dunk and drew the foul, an electrifying moment that has since been circulating widely across sports media.
Yabusele has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament, showcasing a relentless motor and impressive strength that made him a force inside the paint. France’s tactical decision to play smaller and limit Rudy Gobert’s minutes during the knockout stages allowed Yabusele to shine, capitalizing on his all-around game.
Notably, Yabusele’s shooting ability kept opposing defenses on their toes, adding another dimension to his impressive performance. Drafted as the No. 16 pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele's initial NBA career didn’t pan out as hoped. Since 2019, he has been playing professionally abroad, currently a member of Real Madrid.
Despite his overseas success, Yabusele has not given up on his NBA ambitions. “You gotta tell (the Celtics) to bring me back,” Yabusele candidly told The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, expressing his interest in returning to the NBA if the opportunity arises. His recent performance has given France a significant advantage and served as a strong indicator of his potential to compete at the highest level.
Yabusele's dunk on LeBron James has undoubtedly cemented his place in the annals of basketball history. It is a moment that exemplifies his growth and determination, reflecting a player who has continued to develop and excel in various international leagues after an unfulfilled NBA stint. Should an NBA team decide to take a chance on him, they would be gaining a versatile and motivated player ready to prove himself on the world’s biggest stage.
For now, Guerschon Yabusele will continue to build on his burgeoning legacy with Real Madrid, all while keeping a keen eye on a potential NBA return. Until then, the memory of his powerful Olympic dunk will live on as a testament to his skill and tenacity, a highlight that basketball fans worldwide won't soon forget.