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Kobe Bryant leveled his Lakers teammate Pau Gasol in basketball against Spain at the 2008 Olympics.
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Bryant knew how Spain would play and wanted to set the tone for the Americans, as the players explained in the “The Redeem Team” clip.
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Bryant’s ferocity shocked and inspired his teammates as the United States won 118-82.
Kobe Bryant decided to send a message during the 2008 Olympics.
In a teaser for Netflix’s upcoming documentary Redeem Team, players on the US Men’s Olympic Team recalled Bryant’s attempt to set the tone for the game against Spain.
The Spanish men’s team reigned as gold medalists, while the US team was recovering from a disappointing bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics.
In addition to the two gold medal contenders, Los Angeles Lakers teammates and co-stars Pau Gasol and Bryant will face off in the USA-Spain game.
LeBron James said in the documentary, “Cobb said he set the tone to start the game. ‘And he said, ‘I’m going through Pow’s fucking chest.'”
According to James, the American players responded:
Dwyane Wade recalled similarly, saying that Bryant knew Spain would play and that Gasol would set the final screen of play.
“He said, ‘I’m going through that bastard,'” Wade said.
Sure enough, Spain made the play Bryant expected. As Gasol prepared to screen Bryant, Bryant struck Gasol directly in the chest, knocking the 7-foot big man on his back.
Bryant, of course, was called for a foul, but that set the tone.
“we, Oh my god‘ said James.
Gasol, who said Bryant had visited before the game to “melt” him and his teammates, at least seemed aware of Bryant’s purpose.
“Send a message to his teammates, not just me: ‘This could be my brother. I play with him. We are close, but I don’t care about anything but winning.’ ‘ said Gasol.
The USA won 118-82 and won the gold medal.
Check out the clip below. ‘The Redeem Team’ will be released on his October 7th.
Read the original article at insider
