When it comes to international basketball, the USA is unmatched. With a bundle of talent, they have shined on the national stage racking up gold medals. However, in 2004, the LeBron James-led team was stunned in Athens. Without Kobe Bryant, the Olympic team captured only the bronze medal after clinching three straight golds. Many fans saw this as trouble in paradise. No one imagined USA basketball falling down the ladder.
In times of such peril, a major move had to be made. And four years later, the most successful country came back for its throne. Termed as the ‘Redeem Team’, Team USA assembled the finest talent available. A roster fit enough to perhaps even rival the 1992 Dream Team was in the making. Likewise, they did not disappoint on the grandest stage.
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The 2008 star-studded Olympic team came back fighting for its throne, and the USA had vengeance on its mind. Former teammates LeBron James and Dwyane Wade wanted the world to get a glimpse of the iconic team. Hence, they are working alongside Netflix to bring a documentary to the world.
LeBron James leaves basketball fans missing Kobe Bryant
The 2008 USA basketball team was special for multiple reasons. The Redeem Team had the pressure of the basketball world to deliver on the biggest stage. However, they did more than just dominate their way to a gold medal finish. The platform served as a pedestal for the rise of a new era in basketball. In addition, it was also the first time the late great Kobe Bryant participated in the Olympics.
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Likewise, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade became partners once again as they will produce a documentary about the journey of the 2008 USA basketball team. However, this left a hole in the heart of the fans. The documentary will have a major missing piece, Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant.
shit just doesn’t feel right without him, we miss you everyday Bean https://t.co/utctT2LJjA pic.twitter.com/JSiIHfE6hg
— viv🦸🏻♂️ (@middlenamessean) August 19, 2022
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💪🏽💪🏽. Best team ever assembled. Yes I said it. https://t.co/LBc6bS0bhF
— Saijon Blackwell (@SaijonB) August 19, 2022
Won’t be the same without Kobe https://t.co/ErZhNKxOOk
— Emmanuel (@emizzle11) August 19, 2022
Just a reminder that on a team with all of these mega stars, Kobe dominated the final and carried them to victory.https://t.co/vwBRnxGZcB https://t.co/e3M40YlVWc
— Kyle K. (@CallMeKinslow) August 19, 2022
Mane inlove all these docs coming out, but I always be like "Damn we don't get Kobe's perspective". Especially for this and Legacy ♾️ https://t.co/n1euwTKjam
— RIP 🖤 Mamba (@ScottyB870) August 19, 2022
that olympic run was unmatched idc what y’all say https://t.co/YWemz72zuH
— liz (@lizzydeww) August 19, 2022
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Undoubtedly, Kobe Bryant was a huge force in the 2008 gold medal journey. Headlining the Redeem Team, the Black Mamba brought a winning attitude with him. In his first ever Olympics, the five-time NBA champion averaged 15 points. The ferocious assassin was at his best in the clutch. Helping LeBron James bounce back from the upset in 2004, the Mamba won his first Olympic gold medal.
However, that wasn’t the last of Kobe on the international stage. Winning once has never been enough for the Hall of Famer as history tells the tale. Hence, he joined Team USA again in 2012 to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals. Despite not being the biggest contributor, Bryant’s impact was clear. As long as Kobe Bryant was in the house, fans had a ray of hope.
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As the iconic documentary takes shape, not having Bryant narrate the journey will undoubtedly be hard to watch for fans. However, this series will be in honor of his legacy.
Are you excited to watch the documentary when it comes out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.