USA Basketball was truly blessed to have two of the greatest players in history in the span of a few years, both in LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
James participated in the 2004 Olympic Games and the 2006 FIBA World Championships with the team, but only won bronze medals in both competitions. It was clear that a radical overhaul was needed, and Kobe became part of it.
Bryant had a stellar performance at the 2008 Olympics, leading Team USA to a gold medal against Spain. Spain fought hard in the fourth quarter, but the Black Mamba took shot after shot to win.
In 2012, he took a step back and allowed James, who had just won his first NBA championship, to take on leadership responsibilities. During an episode of the “All The Smoke” podcast, Tyson Chandler said James’ leadership style was to keep things loose, while Kobe was very serious (h/t Lakers Daily).
“LeBron was always a joker,” Chandler said. “He always keeps a light and fun attitude. Bron is actually very funny. Melo (Carmelo Anthony) controls the music. He’s like Radio Raheem. Melo always has a boom box on the bus.
“Then the young team, because you have young James, young Durant (Kevin Durant), young Russ (Russell Westbrook), they’re all together. They retain It’s youthful. So it’s a great collection.
“Cobb was an older guy and he didn’t want to hear all the laughter and jokes and (expletive).”
That fits the reputations of both superstars. While James was usually gregarious, Bryant was a determined competitor and a no-nonsense, passionate leader.
But both styles worked, and Team USA won another gold medal in London in the summer of 2012.
Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire
Publishers Mindscape Developers P.F. Magic Release date 1998 Genre Simulation Game rating Description of the…
Editors Activision, Inc. Developers superego games Release date 2006 Gender Adventure Game Rating Game Description…
Editors Terraglyph Interactive Studios, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Developers Terraglifo interactive studios Release date nineteen…
Editors Sega, Digital Images, Screaming Villains, Limited Run Games Developers Digital Images, Inc. Release date…
Editors Davilex Games BV Developers Davilex Games BV Release date 1998 Gender Careers Game Rating…
Editors Sony Computer Entertainment, Disney Interactive Studios Developers High voltage software Release date 2002 Gender…