Local Olympic Guide: What to Watch Friday

LeBron and Team USA will play in the semifinals

LeBron James and Team USA will play Argentina in the semifinals Friday at 4 p.m. ET. James earned the first triple-double in Olympic history as Team USA defeated Australia 119-86 Wednesday.

James tallied 11 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists as the Americans moved within two wins of a gold medal.

South Florida’s Paige McPherson will also compete in the women’s Tae Kwon Do 67 kilograms event at 5:15 p.m. ET.

McPherson was a surprise qualifier during the Olympic trials, beating the 2004 silver medalist that she grew up idolizing, Nia Abdallah.

McPherson was recruited to Miami by two-time Olympic medalist, Juan Moreno. After three years of working under his tutelage, the 21-year-old has circled August 10 on her calendar. That’s her day to put her 14 years of training to the ultimate test.

“I always thought that 2012 was my year. So I know that on that day, this is my moment. This is the moment I’ve always wanted to happen,” McPherson said.

Former University of Miami sprinter Lauryn Williams did not compete in the 4 x 100 relay. Though she competed in the semifinal heat, she was dropped Friday along with with Jeneba Tarmoh. Carmelita Jeter and Allyson Felix were substituted in. Team USA managed to win the gold and set a new world record at 40.82 seconds.

Watch the events live online at NBCOlympics.com.

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