Kobe Bryant’s name is all over the history of the L.A. Lakers and their rich winning culture. The all-time great shooting guard propelled this franchise to a dynasty early in his career, winning three straight titles in the early 2000s.
Bryant continued his legendary career following that run and eventually added to his ring collection in 2009 and 2010. When it was all said and done for the Philadelphia native’s basketball career, he had five rings, a regular-season MVP, two Finals MVPs, 18 All-Star appearances, and 15 All-NBA selections.
Kobe, however, has an even more decorated career outside of Los Angeles, winning two gold medals with the United States men’s national basketball team.
The first squad to win it all in Beijing was known as the “Redeem Team.” This group coined that nickname with the mission of reclaiming gold after a disappointing bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics and 2006 FIBA World Championship.
Bryant was named team captain, and a former teammate of his told a story about how he used to bond with his teammates over a beloved board game.
Michael Redd Explains the Game Kobe Bryant Used to Bond Team USA
Michael Redd is one of the most underrated players from the 2000s, who was a key piece on multiple Milwaukee Bucks playoff teams. The crafty left averaged over 20 points per game six times in his career, earning one All-Star appearance and one All-NBA team selection.
Redd was a role player on this legendary Team USA squad, which was recently inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
During Hall of Fame weekend, Michael fittingly shared a story about Kobe’s relationship with his teammates and leadership during that time, noting how Bryant used a surprising game to bring the group together.
“We’re together, getting ready for the Olympics. Some of us are teaching Kobe dominoes. He’d never played before, somehow. Me, personally? One of my vets, Gary Payton, showed me the ropes. Can’t imagine being a decade into the NBA without playing, ha, but you know Kobe, that day he’s asking every single question, trying to learn the game. But I’m convinced It wasn’t really about dominoes. It was about being one of the guys and bringing the team together. Everyone talks about Kobe’s basketball IQ, and rightfully so. But that’s elite EQ. He knew exactly what he was doing. Miss that guy.”
Michael Redd’s Story gives Further Insight into Kobe Bryant’s Endless Curiosity
Michael Redd’s story will ring familiar to another person who shares his name. Michael Jordan has often mentioned how Kobe Bryant would ask him questions about basketball and life off the court endlessly.
Bryant was also curious about picking up new ideas or learning new skills from others in any particular area, and that quality drove him to be great in multiple facets of life.
The 2008 Team USA ended up winning all five of its group stage games, outscoring all opponents by 161 points. This team then beat Australia, got revenge on Argentina in the semifinals, and won the final against Spain.
The win kick-started a period of American dominance over the sport in the Olympics. Team USA has now won five straight gold medals since 2008 and will likely be the favorite in 2028, even as the sport becomes more international.
Eight players will certainly be inducted into the Hall of Fame for their individual playing careers in the coming years, and now this group has been immortalized in Springfield.
Redd’s comment ultimately provides a further glimpse into how Kobe interacted with his teammates off the court and the unique methods he used to get the best out of his squads.
And there were plenty of chemistry questions for a group with so much star power, such as Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade, especially when matching up with the likes of Spain.
But fortunately, Americans can now credit the dominoes as the key to their basketball team’s gold medal win in 2008.