LeBron James Confirms What Kobe Bryant Wouldn’t Let Team USA Do During Olympics 2008 LeBron James describes what it was actually like and the things he had to change with the 2008 Redeem Team in Kobe

When two superstars share the floor, it isn’t always a formula for success. But for Team USA at the 2008 Olympics, the pairing of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James proved essential to winning gold. “[Kobe] and LeBron developed a relationship that was needed to create the culture, and they did,” head coach Mike Krzyzewski has said. That bond not only helped define the Redeem Team but also underscored why LeBron’s presence was so vital to restoring U.S. dominance on the international stage.

Despite being in China to promote the new LeBron 23, the Lakers star flew to Springfield for the Hall of Fame ceremony—yes, while still active. Alongside Chris Paul, he made history as one of the first NBA players inducted while still playing, as the entire 2008 Redeem Team was honored. Naturally, LeBron us