Boston Celtics guard Derrick White concluded an extraordinary year by winning both the 2024 NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in Paris. Reflecting on their success, White highlighted LeBron James’ pivotal leadership and gold medal mindset that inspired the whole team throughout the tournament.
Team USA secured a 98-87 victory over France in the Olympic final, a game remembered for Stephen Curry’s clutch performances in the closing moments. The team’s triumph was grounded in strong unity and leadership from its star players. White contributed consistently on defense and on the scoreboard, averaging 3.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, with his standout performance against South Sudan helping the team maintain momentum toward the gold.
LeBron James Set the Tone for Team USA’s Championship Drive
In an interview on the White Noise Podcast, Derrick White credited LeBron James with establishing the collective mindset vital to their success. James emphasized the importance of team effort over individual statistics, motivating everyone to focus on winning the gold medal above all else.
“Bron was like, ‘We got 12 of the coldest players in the NBA. It doesn’t matter if you have 30 points or 5 points, we need to just win this gold.’ That was the mindset,”
White explained. —Derrick White, Team USA Guard
This message helped White and his teammates maintain focus and showed how leadership transcended individual roles during the Olympic run.
Derrick White’s Rise: From NBA Champion to Olympic Gold Medalist
At 30 years old, the Paris Olympics marked what is likely Derrick White’s only appearance on the global stage. His contributions in both the NBA and international competition have elevated his career to a remarkable peak, solidifying his legacy as a champion on multiple fronts.
Trade Speculation Linking Derrick White to the Los Angeles Lakers
Amid transition discussions within the Boston Celtics, rumors have surfaced about Derrick White potentially joining the Los Angeles Lakers. With Celtics star Jayson Tatum sidelined and the team preparing for a new phase, White’s trade value remains substantial given his recent performances.
White enjoyed a breakout season coming into the Olympics, averaging 16.4 points, 4.8 assists, and making an impressive 3.5 three-pointers per game, which included setting a Celtics franchise record with 265 made threes. His defensive skills also stood out, averaging 1.1 blocks per game, making him a versatile two-way player.
For the Lakers, acquiring White could boost their roster dynamics by complementing stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic. His shooting ability, defensive tenacity, and flexibility would provide essential depth in their ongoing championship pursuit.