Very few athletes in the annals of basketball history have had the distinction of dunking on LeBron James. Known for his exceptional basketball IQ and unparalleled athleticism, James is rarely caught out of position. However, two players have recently etched their names in the legacy books with such an accomplishment—one of them being French forward Guerschon Yabusele.
The Tatum Dunk
Six years ago, during Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, a rookie named Jayson Tatum stunned the basketball world by slamming one over LeBron James. That moment became an iconic highlight and remains arguably the most famous play of Tatum’s blossoming career with the Boston Celtics. It was, for many, an unexpected and unforgettable spectacle that solidified Tatum's arrival on the NBA stage.
Yabusele Shines in Tokyo
Fast forward to this year's Olympics, and another LeBron dunk made headlines—this time courtesy of French forward Guerschon Yabusele. During the gold medal game between France and Team USA, Yabusele found himself in a high-pressure situation that defined his performance in the tournament. In the second quarter, he deftly maneuvered past Devin Booker on the perimeter. Sensing the opportunity, LeBron rotated to set up for a charge, but the Frenchman powered through for a spectacular dunk, drawing a foul in the process.
This standout moment was more than just a highlight; it represented Yabusele's breakout performance during the tournament. France had made a strategic choice to play smaller and reduce Rudy Gobert's minutes during the knockout stages—an adjustment that gave Yabusele the platform to showcase his relentless motor, strength, and versatility. His shooting ability kept opposing defenses guessing, making him an invaluable asset to the French team.
From Boston to Madrid
Guerschon Yabusele's basketball journey has been anything but conventional. Drafted by the Boston Celtics as the No. 16 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, his initial foray into the NBA didn’t produce the results many had hoped for. Since 2019, Yabusele has found new life playing professionally abroad, most recently with Real Madrid.
Despite the setbacks in his NBA career, Yabusele has continued to refine his skills and gain valuable experiences overseas. His recent Olympic performance has reignited conversations about his immense potential and prospects for a return to the NBA. “You gotta tell (the Celtics) to bring me back," Yabusele said to The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, a statement reflecting his enduring passion and desire to prove himself on basketball’s biggest stage.
A French Revelation
Yabusele’s resurgence on the Olympic stage has given the French team a significant tactical advantage. His dynamism and multifaceted skill set have allowed him to emerge as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. Few could have predicted that Yabusele would rise to the occasion so dramatically, but his dunk over LeBron James—a player renowned for his defensive acumen—has served as a hallmark of what he can achieve under the right circumstances.
Few moments in sports possess the same kind of lasting impact as a defining play against a legendary opponent. For Yabusele, his dunk over LeBron was such a moment—one that not only marked his place in basketball history but also signaled his potential to compete at the highest level. If his Olympic performance is any indication, Yabusele's journey is far from over, and his story may soon include another chapter in the NBA.