I remember watching the game, only D-Wade and Kobe were unfazed of the pressure in the gold medal game. People tend to forget how good Spain is and almost stole the game, but Kobe wasn't having it.
***** I know, it's sad. I've been a Lakers fan since I was a kid in the late 90s and Kobe was always one of my favorites but I think it's time for him to hang em up while he's still good and not wait till he's waaayy over the hill like Derek Fisher did.
You know you're special when you are on a team of the best players in the world in their league and they let you play like the same player you always were. That is respect.
The rest of team USA had no idea how to attack the zone, Kobe knew what to do because he had 5 defenders trying to stop him every night in the NBA back then.
Kobe is the most unstoppable guard the NBA has seen since Jordan, the closest thing we have today is Harden/Irving which is kind of sad because they aren't anywhere even close to his level even when Kobe was younger.
There's no way in hell that Jordan was going to let the Dream Team lose in 92, and there's no way Kobe was going to let the Redeem team lose in 08. That's why they will be two greatest players ever to play. Their will to win was insane!
What? Dream team didnt need jordan anyway. He was just the cherry on top of a team that could just destroy the competition regardless of him. Kobe however had this game on his shoulders.
Who came back here after watching The Redeem Team Documentary? Damn, Kobe really pushed this team, He set the tone starting from the practice to winning the Gold medal. He's the REAL DEAL. Superb Athlete, Miss you Bean! #MambaForever
After watching the Redeem Team, it showed me how epic of a mindset that Kobe had along with his dedication and God given athletic talent. He was a fucking beast! Rest in paradise Mamba!
Its cats like you throwing the term GOAT around so recklessly that it no longer holds meaning enough for clowns to call Lebron or Curry the GOAT. Fans like you have ruined the game.
The best ever. Period. His clutch ability is the greatest in the history of basketball & nobody will ever beat him 1v1.. RIP KOBE you gave me a lot of memories that I will never forget
@@Will-fq9pk you’re kidding right? Mikes a better shooter and that’s factual. Mj and Kobe shoot 3 pts at the same below average percentage at 33%. Mike however is more efficient from inside at 51% to Kobe’s 48%. Overall shoots 50% to Kobe’s 45%. And they both play the same style of ball. Lots of jumpers, same position. Stop it. You clearly are uneducated. Just cause Kobe made more 3s and has more highlights of it doesn’t mean he’s a better shooter. The data I just listed above completely destroys that
Kobe had a lot of games like this one in his career, where he didn't need a game winner, but personally took over and won. This took me years to realize it, I was a hater back then. Maybe that was the reason, he was constantly beating up underdogs or your favorite team. That's something that can't be seen at a stats page. You recognize it when you watch the game. He took over all-around, offensively and defensively, when he wanted to do so. When he got competent and hungry teammates, he won gold medals, championships. RIP Kobe
Everyone will be commenting because kobe is retiring, but this is a kobe moment I'll never forget. as a mavs fan at this time I hated when kobe played the mavs. but watching this game I never felt like we would lose, because we had kobe. It was an awesome feeling knowing kobe was finally on the team I was rooting for.
I wish more people knew about this game and watched this game. This was classic Kobe in the clutch arguably the clutchest game of his career. Spain had game they were a threat. But no matter how close they got I was never worried. Not because we had lebron, wade, Anthony, Bosh, Howard. But because we had Kobe and Spain didn’t. There was no way in hell Kobe was leaving that court without a gold medal. Rest in power legend. Rest in power Gigi.
It's beautiful. Look at all the talent back then. I love this because this is not a "superteam", they were playing for the country. The league tried mimicing that and it's just killing ratings and making NBA basketball unwatchable.
TJ Martin Lol it was the definition of a super team. Prime Kobe, Prime Lebron Prime Wade Prime Howard Prime Chris paul Prime D will Prime melo😂😂How is that not a fucking insane superteam???? Just imagine kobe melo wade bron and bosh on the floor Bruh thats as superteam as it can get
@@YoungOddo i would say that Bron and Paul specifically werent at their peaks for another couple years. The Kobe we got in 08 was clearly the best player in Basketball and the team knew it. Imagine '08 Kobe paired with '16 Bron...
@@nathangray1009 Ok maybe they werent their Absolute peak but they were pretty god damn close. They werent rookies and they were already established bonafide superstars So wether they were 2 or 3 years from their absolute peak who cares they were all basically in their primes
The team had lebron, wade, melo, paul, dwill, kidd, Howard, etc. When the chips were down and it was winning time all that ball movement play as a team was replaced by give the ball to the baddest man on the court. If anyone ever says lebron was better than kobe remember this, the only stat that really matters at the end of the day is winning. Kobe refused to lose!
The fact that he had Prime Wade, Kidd, and other super stars on the team and still took over the game is unreal. This just shows you he is the goat and arguably the best next to Jordan at the 2.
@@razkable watch JJ Reddick's podcast now, Kobe did not like to shoot at that time he requested that he focus on defending the best perimeter player of each team they play against. Now that is whu on this game he tookover the offense as it seems everyone's passive.
@@duedate23 thats because kobe was saving his special stuff for the end of the game. Man was a hell of ball player and showman. And an even better father. RIP kobe and gigi
@@duedate23 that’s true I remember reading that too kobe asked to guard the best player on each team and I think he did it for a reason because he didn’t want to lose a step in his defense when the nba season started back up
That defensive play at 1:50 is why Kobe is one of the greatest defenders. Not including athleticism, the pure basketball IQ to go after the high lob to Gasol because he knew Dwight would close up on his man. Most player's don't even have the determination to contest that play, they usually leave it to the big men to make defensive stops on lobs
It doesn't matter what shitty analytics kids of the new gen say, real ballers know and this highlight reel shows it. On a team of superstars, Kobe is the one who won the game for them and willed that team to a gold medal at both ends of the floor. God like performance by an all time great at the tail end of his prime.
+TheRoseExperience question is, even with kobe... how come the superstars didnt win by 25? did any of you guys know a single name of a guy on the spanish team? they were supposed to be nobodies, yet they got in over 100 points against the superstars. yup, kobe stepped up, someone always does - to me a bigger thing is to know that a bunch of nobodies can hold their own against the nba superstars.
+Erik Markus they're def not just nobodies. Just cause YOU don't know them. Time and time again it comes down to these two teams in the discussion of who's the better national team.
Ryan Derke each superstars or border line all stars with great defense in their respected craft too. Imagine if mark was playing at the level he was playing at today.
My favorite Kobe moment. As a mavs fan that day kobe was on my team and it was a joy to root for him. Felt so much pride . Never forget that feeling and moment. Makes me tear up just thinking about it. RIP Kobe life isnt fair. Rest easy champ.
No way team USA wins this game without Kobe....Kobe took over that game, something that queen james couldnt do...and for those who say kobe doesnt like to pass this video proves that he does when he has guys that can actually make shots..
@@toomuch1308 ikr? 7 years ago so 2015 this dumb comment was made. lebron had a legendary game 6 against boston that I thought but an end to that bs narrative that LeBron cant take over a big game?
I was never a Lakers fan but this game cemented Kobe as a legend for me. Dude balled the hell out for his country. The "shhh" gesture at 2:03 is iconic. RIP, Mamba.
I remember that game! It got to close for comfort. And Kobe came through like hes always done and he, by far, is the best closer in nba history, hands down!
That Spain team was no joke. That team played together as a national team for years and were one of the best in the world. Team USA was definitely in danger of losing the game and the NBA's best American talent, when under pressure, looked to Kobe to save the day. And true to Mamba mentality, he stepped the f up. A legendary performance that showed a fully evolved, all around player that knew the right basketball plays. He created and exploited situations, drawing defenders to kick out to the pass. He took some tremendously tough shots and hit them. He hustled on D and stifled plays as he was able to read them as they happened. Legendary performance, one to be studied and watched by future generations. Thank you Kobe #Mambamentality #RIP824 #RIPGigi
and Lebron that time was complaining to coach K about Kobe played selfisly and almost wanted him to kick out Kobe to the team but coach K knew only Kobe can change the team to make olympic champions
Shit, Its funny how everyone had a monster game during the regular tournament but during the final gold medal game it seemed everyone was hesitant to take a shot except Kobe and Wade, the only guys with championship rings on the squad at the time. Take out those two during 08, its probably another LeBronze medal, if you catch mah drift :)
This will always be one of the greatest performances of all time. Took over the game and showed the entire world why he was the best player in the world at the time. RIP Kobe, your legend will never die.
Best player on the team and it really wasn't close. Man, I love seeing the pride for our country that these guys played with, miss the olympics, miss Kobe Bryant most of all.
Can't believe Bron would disrespect kobe about shot selection. Bron must not realize that hardcore hoopers know kobe is better than him. Not everyone is an ESPN casual that let's BIG nose influence them.
Tre'Ven Fields 2008 had dwight howard, prime chris bosh, a more athletic lebron, a prime kobe, a prime wade, a prime chris paul, jason kidd, young athletic melo, and a prime deron williams
Drew Paris Why is "athletic Melo" funny? I'll grant you that as Melo has aged he does pick some shitty shots, but back in his golden days, he was athletic as the best of them. He was never a speedster per se, but his first step was so demanding and explosive and his strength/size/mobility combination made it impossible to lock him down. Kobe actually said Melo was "strong as a bull" as well as being harder to guard than LeBron because of his unique combination, a sentiment echoed by Paul Pierce, KD, etc. And that's not even mentioning the fact he's got the sweetest stroke/rise in the NBA. He used to have demanding off the ball presence on D too. He may not be as athletic as MJ or T-Mac, but to laugh at the notion of Melo being athletic is just dumb.
I can't lie, the Bejing Olympics was fun to watch, especially seeing our boys from Team USA dominate the world. You can tell these guys had so much fun playing together. It must've been a great time for them on and off the court. Kobe even said winning gold with those guys was better than winning an NBA championship because you're representing the country and not just one city. This was truly a great, memorable Summer.
+I Perzecute I Lebron humble? are you sure about that bro? remember how Wade and Lebron mocked Dirk during their Finals.... remember how the cavz and him flexed him biceps during their first basket of the 2014-2015 season?
It’s so cool seeing all of these guys on the same team. SUPERSTARS. Damn I miss Kobe. One of my all time favorite players. When I was growing up in LA, he was a legend. Rip Kobe
I remember watching this game and feeling the pressure because it was a Gold medal match and the USA was supposed to win easily especially with Lebron James Carmelo Anthony (& other all stars). It was anything but. It was a close game until Kobe took over and made huge pressure shots to help secure the victory. Kobe is the most clutch player in NBA history hands down.
This just shows how Kobe was just heads and shoulders above the best players in the NBA, to takeover an olympic game with superstar teammates in unreal. It doesnt matter who's on the squad if it comes down to a shot Kobe's gonna take it. In 2016 if it comes down to one shot for the gold medal USA V Spain everybody's gonna look to Kobe regardless of who's on the squad, Lebron,Durant,Curry,Westbrook etc. cause everybody knows who the best closer is.
+E And how many has he attempted? lol I believe kobe is still 7 for 28 in game tying/winning situations in the playoffs for his career....and that factors in his prime, your talking about 2016, 0% chance they would draw up a play for kobe now.
Coach K knew what’s up. Called time out and told Kobe to start getting some buckets for the gold. When they lost in 04 Olympics and 06 FIBA World Championships, Colangelo the director of USA basketball said if we had Kobe we would’ve won. That’s why Bron and Melo were so hyped. Got bronze twice.
We're all gonna miss Kobe once he's gone. Who's going to take his place in the NBA? Lebron is a beast, but his game is just that: a beast --- nowhere half as beautiful as Kobe's gracefulness and creativity. This is Kobe at the start of the downside of his career, no longer at his utmost prime .... and he still dominates like no other, because his mental toughness was still at its prime.
I used hate him but and the Lakers but when I know his really a good guy i became to like him..RIP Kobe your and you daughter and all that perished with you.May yall Rest In Peace.Much love
I remember watching the game live. Spain had the momentum and Kobe came in and took it away with each play. Kobe stepped up when everyone started to shrink. The 2008 Olympics were amazing.
Thank God Kobe Bryant joined the 2008 team... and this is coming from a lifelong, hometown bread Boston Celtics fan and Lakers hater. Bryant put USA on his back in the Gold Medal Game versus Spain. 2:00 still gives me chills.
TheSWFuniverse Same here that shit gives me chills. I remember watching this game live at my cousins house and screaming like a madman when Kobe hit that shot.
I came back in here after Kobe's death, rest easy mamba, ur the reason why my jersey number is 24, and also r.i.p to those people who also died in the crashed
this proved to all that kobe Bryant is the daddy of basketball at the time .. ofcourse youngbloods like d wade,lebron,melo started to prowl in but when it comes to the biggest stage ,that is ,representing your country, kobe,the daddy, is showin the boys how its really done when it matters LIVE in front of all the other superstars. he was the man,the talk of the town
Erik E yep thats why i mentioned 'at the time' . The Lebron James batch were very comfortable in the league as if they were already taking over the league but nah .. it was still Kobe's league
+dthomxa Jordan doesn't get to decide. Its a consensus type deal that everyone gets to decide and I'm not so sure Jordan does decide. He just said he would take him over lebron at one point. I also feel like Jordan always felt a little bit threatened by Lebron and never showed him much respect. I felt like he had a rivalry going on in his mind with Lebron
dyodoublej i agree. Lebron is the better basketball player if we are comparing primes. He hasn't won as many championships but he could still win a couple more. even if he doesn't, he is still the better basketball player. I like them both, I'm just a realist.
That left wing 3PT from about... 24 ft? And1? And the shush afterwards? My favorite most iconic Kobe moment. That man was possessed on the court, especially that game.
that made no sense (rondo's a point guard and needs to have the ball in his hands most of the time to direct the action). Looks to me like all these elite players were having a fun time and enjoying playing with him
JBarber3d, Some can't appreciate greatness, but a lot of them can. Everyone including yourself, knows this is vintage Kobe at his best. Kobe's presence saved USA, after blowing the opportunity to win gold, in 04. When you're good, it's good to show the selfish side, with this performance.
I remember this game. I watched it. I was cheering so loud. I kept saying just give Kobe the damn ball. He was dominating the whole game. Ima miss my idol so much. Rest with the basketball gods Kobe and Gigi. 😔
Kobe and MJ had the strongest will to win, and they took their teams on their shoulders on most critical situations...can't say the same with Lebron. Kobe and MJ created waves of opportunities for their team, Lebron just rode the tides that his superstar teammates created.
7 years already? It feels like just yesterday I was a kid in high school watching this game. Kobe's performance in this game made everyone on the team better. Wade, Bosh, LeBron, Melo, etc, all had career years after witnessing Kobe's greatness during this gold medal game.
+dyodoublej Are you serious dude? Lebron made his first all nba defense team after that year learning from Kobe the mentality and mindset you have to bring on that side each and every game? COincidence? I think not. Wade had his best statistical year because he wanted to prove to all his doubters he could still play at an elite level and he was a monster in 08-09. But playing in the Olympics with Kobe helped as well. CP3 had his best statistically season , a year after finishing runner up for MVP(which he probably should have won). Coincidence ? Know. After Playing with Kobe in the Olympic, all those guys raised their game the next year. Is that a coincidence? No
This was kobe in his prime just coming off his individual dominance without shaq and pau and just lost to the cletics in the finals so he was looking for revenge. Prime kobe. A lot of prime kobe was wasted on trash teams cause his beginning before his prime he had shaq. Then right when his prime is on the tail end he finally gets pau.
th-cam.com/video/IEpenzFn24k/w-d-xo.html CLICK FOR RARE KOBE SCRIMMAGE PRIOR TO THE OLYMPICS
I remember watching the game, only D-Wade and Kobe were unfazed of the pressure in the gold medal game. People tend to forget how good Spain is and almost stole the game, but Kobe wasn't having it.
i know they had Pau Gasol a 5 TIME all star with Mark Gasol in the frontcourt and Ricky Rubio
+Daniel Shelton Ricky Rubio is ass bro. lmao we had cp3. hahahaahahaa can u say mismatch?
+Yoshi Lee lol mismatch? that was one of the most contested Olympic basketball games ever
Legendary comment
+Abel Mehari cp3 was a beast
Kobe in his prime...flat out unstoppable.
It'll be a sad day for the NBA when Kobe retires.
missed the old nba when it was always a lakers and celtics finals fun times
***** I know, it's sad. I've been a Lakers fan since I was a kid in the late 90s and Kobe was always one of my favorites but I think it's time for him to hang em up while he's still good and not wait till he's waaayy over the hill like Derek Fisher did.
Don't worry guys.......there will be a player similar to Kobe in the future. Mentally and Physically.
ThaDreamMerchant stop. You're obviously not really a Lakers fan if you believe that nonesense.
Came here after the horrible news of his passing.
The guy was so clutch.
Me too!!!
You know you're special when you are on a team of the best players in the world in their league and they let you play like the same player you always were. That is respect.
He was the GOAT, better than Michael Jordan.
@Eddie LM Are you sure he wasn't?
Lebron will carry the torch and will be better than him. RIP mamba
Who’s here after Kobe’s accident just reliving his memories? Think a bit of me died with this man. RIP mamba
Dennis C i am here for exactly that, i don’t know him but i miss him
I am. I remember watching it live. Listening to Doug Collins & Breen on the call made the tears flow again
He was sensational in this game. 😢
He will always be remember and missed by everyone heart!!!🙏🙏
Obviously everyone dumbass
Me.
The rest of team USA had no idea how to attack the zone, Kobe knew what to do because he had 5 defenders trying to stop him every night in the NBA back then.
Kobe is the most unstoppable guard the NBA has seen since Jordan, the closest thing we have today is Harden/Irving which is kind of sad because they aren't anywhere even close to his level even when Kobe was younger.
***** i don't blame Kobe. if you see something work from the greatest scorer, possibly ever, u would do it too
Gray Fullbuster Harden and Irving over Westbrook? You can't be serious ...
Well, actually Wade was the one who saved the day for the whole 08 olypics series
Wade did...........
There's no way in hell that Jordan was going to let the Dream Team lose in 92, and there's no way Kobe was going to let the Redeem team lose in 08. That's why they will be two greatest players ever to play. Their will to win was insane!
Jc Future u
The dream team had no competition
Michael Jordan - Dream Team.
Kobe Bryant - Redeem Team.
What? Dream team didnt need jordan anyway. He was just the cherry on top of a team that could just destroy the competition regardless of him. Kobe however had this game on his shoulders.
@Abubaker Ismael Ali
I personally believe Yugoslavia, Australia, Croatia and Russia were the competitor to USA back in 90s - early 2000s
Who came back here after watching The Redeem Team Documentary? Damn, Kobe really pushed this team, He set the tone starting from the practice to winning the Gold medal. He's the REAL DEAL. Superb Athlete, Miss you Bean! #MambaForever
first time I watched the Doc and when he hit the Shush, I deadass felt, that.
my goat
After watching the Redeem Team, it showed me how epic of a mindset that Kobe had along with his dedication and God given athletic talent. He was a fucking beast! Rest in paradise Mamba!
he recruited kobe so this team can get gold medal and gold medal they did
What’s crazy is, nobody in the NBA liked Kobe before the olympics.
The shushing of the crowd was sooo cold blooded. Kobe you will be missed.
he forgot he wasn’t in the Olympic and back in the NbA when he did that
That 4 point play still sends shivers down my spine.
KOBE is the GOAT!
That did give me shivers lol
Its cats like you throwing the term GOAT around so recklessly that it no longer holds meaning enough for clowns to call Lebron or Curry the GOAT. Fans like you have ruined the game.
Yo momma gave me shivers while gobbling up on me last night 🤣🤣🤣
I got it tatted. Coldest play I've seen in my life
I guess Jordan doesn't exist then
so you are telling me this is 7 years ago ???? damn we're getting old
Damn
+kobe248lak so are you saying about a week ago? LOL I cant stop to listen hot nigga
+william price 2008 is 4 years ago? i feel bad for your math teacher
Chris Ollett lol ik i was juss playing or i thought it was 2012
+william price 2015-2012=3, still feel bad for your math teacher
The best ever. Period. His clutch ability is the greatest in the history of basketball & nobody will ever beat him 1v1.. RIP KOBE you gave me a lot of memories that I will never forget
Omg. Jordan is way better stop
Follow him ha3
There is no one more clutch than Jordan. But Kobe and Jerry West are tied for #2.
@@samschott5632 Dude people do have the right to have an opinion lol. But honestly Mike could never out shoot Kobe
@@Will-fq9pk you’re kidding right? Mikes a better shooter and that’s factual. Mj and Kobe shoot 3 pts at the same below average percentage at 33%. Mike however is more efficient from inside at 51% to Kobe’s 48%. Overall shoots 50% to Kobe’s 45%. And they both play the same style of ball. Lots of jumpers, same position. Stop it. You clearly are uneducated. Just cause Kobe made more 3s and has more highlights of it doesn’t mean he’s a better shooter. The data I just listed above completely destroys that
Kobe had a lot of games like this one in his career, where he didn't need a game winner, but personally took over and won. This took me years to realize it, I was a hater back then. Maybe that was the reason, he was constantly beating up underdogs or your favorite team. That's something that can't be seen at a stats page. You recognize it when you watch the game. He took over all-around, offensively and defensively, when he wanted to do so. When he got competent and hungry teammates, he won gold medals, championships. RIP Kobe
For me he's the first celebrity/inspirational entertainers who passed away and shed tears for.
Kobe was a player that can’t be defined by stats
This is an underrated performance in Kobe's legacy. He really put the nation on his back in this game.
facts
Him and Wade, they were the only two ready to go out and play their best.
Everyone will be commenting because kobe is retiring, but this is a kobe moment I'll never forget. as a mavs fan at this time I hated when kobe played the mavs. but watching this game I never felt like we would lose, because we had kobe. It was an awesome feeling knowing kobe was finally on the team I was rooting for.
RIP Kobe 😪
Thats how I felt growing up as a Laker fan
This gave me chills bro I miss my boy so much man, thank you for the respectful comment
@@redfive8965 yes sir me to #Lakeshow
Bruh! 😎
This was KOBE's team. Period.
I wish more people knew about this game and watched this game. This was classic Kobe in the clutch arguably the clutchest game of his career. Spain had game they were a threat. But no matter how close they got I was never worried. Not because we had lebron, wade, Anthony, Bosh, Howard. But because we had Kobe and Spain didn’t. There was no way in hell Kobe was leaving that court without a gold medal. Rest in power legend. Rest in power Gigi.
Your prayers have been answered, and I hope you have watched the documentary
It's hilarious seeing superstars on the bench cheering like role players during crunch time.
It's beautiful. Look at all the talent back then. I love this because this is not a "superteam", they were playing for the country. The league tried mimicing that and it's just killing ratings and making NBA basketball unwatchable.
That's kobe!
TJ Martin Lol it was the definition of a super team. Prime Kobe, Prime Lebron Prime Wade Prime Howard Prime Chris paul Prime D will Prime melo😂😂How is that not a fucking insane superteam???? Just imagine kobe melo wade bron and bosh on the floor Bruh thats as superteam as it can get
@@YoungOddo i would say that Bron and Paul specifically werent at their peaks for another couple years. The Kobe we got in 08 was clearly the best player in Basketball and the team knew it. Imagine '08 Kobe paired with '16 Bron...
@@nathangray1009 Ok maybe they werent their Absolute peak but they were pretty god damn close. They werent rookies and they were already established bonafide superstars So wether they were 2 or 3 years from their absolute peak who cares they were all basically in their primes
The fact that Kobe only won 1 mvp is an absolute fucking joke !
He got robbed when he was averaging 35 ppg should have 2
LOL I remember the Month that year when he averaged 50 points for like over a week or two, yet he still didn't get MVP.. insane
he got robbed 03, 04, & 09
lmaoooooooooooooooooo he shouldn't have got any mvps tbh
were*
He's had many, but this might be my absolute favorite Kobe game of all time...
The team had lebron, wade, melo, paul, dwill, kidd, Howard, etc. When the chips were down and it was winning time all that ball movement play as a team was replaced by give the ball to the baddest man on the court. If anyone ever says lebron was better than kobe remember this, the only stat that really matters at the end of the day is winning. Kobe refused to lose!
At this point in time yea kobe was better, but LeBron in his prime is better
@pallani8471 Lebron was prime here. Try again
The fact that he had Prime Wade, Kidd, and other super stars on the team and still took over the game is unreal. This just shows you he is the goat and arguably the best next to Jordan at the 2.
wade took over off the bench that whole olympics....he was the best player all summer....kobe was well rested
Wade & Kobe were the 2 best players by far in that tournament.
@@razkable watch JJ Reddick's podcast now, Kobe did not like to shoot at that time he requested that he focus on defending the best perimeter player of each team they play against. Now that is whu on this game he tookover the offense as it seems everyone's passive.
@@duedate23 thats because kobe was saving his special stuff for the end of the game. Man was a hell of ball player and showman. And an even better father.
RIP kobe and gigi
@@duedate23 that’s true I remember reading that too kobe asked to guard the best player on each team and I think he did it for a reason because he didn’t want to lose a step in his defense when the nba season started back up
Im not a kobe fan, but this is one of the best performances I have ever seen from a player.
***** for me personally he needs to be more effective. Jacks up too many shots from time to time.
***** while averaging less shots per game in his career. Who are ahead of him? Mj / Lebron / Iverson etc.
jujurawks I'm taling about FG% . If you make your shots I'm good. But you better be above 50% and around 60% for 2 pts and 40% for 3pts.
***** Lemme guess,you're a Lebron fan?
***** Lebron isnt even apart of the 50/40/90 club lol
That defensive play at 1:50 is why Kobe is one of the greatest defenders. Not including athleticism, the pure basketball IQ to go after the high lob to Gasol because he knew Dwight would close up on his man. Most player's don't even have the determination to contest that play, they usually leave it to the big men to make defensive stops on lobs
Kobe Bryant’s passing once again underrated. Setting his teammates up perfectly for wide open looks.
No one wants to acknowledge that because it becomes another reason for his greatness
It doesn't matter what shitty analytics kids of the new gen say, real ballers know and this highlight reel shows it. On a team of superstars, Kobe is the one who won the game for them and willed that team to a gold medal at both ends of the floor. God like performance by an all time great at the tail end of his prime.
+TheRoseExperience question is, even with kobe... how come the superstars didnt win by 25? did any of you guys know a single name of a guy on the spanish team? they were supposed to be nobodies, yet they got in over 100 points against the superstars. yup, kobe stepped up, someone always does - to me a bigger thing is to know that a bunch of nobodies can hold their own against the nba superstars.
+Erik Markus they're def not just nobodies. Just cause YOU don't know them.
Time and time again it comes down to these two teams in the discussion of who's the better national team.
Erik Markus Pau and Marc, Ricky Rubio, Rudy Fernandez, they were all NBA players lol
Ryan Derke each superstars or border line all stars with great defense in their respected craft too. Imagine if mark was playing at the level he was playing at today.
Ryan Derke lol facts
Kobe made olympic basketball cool again...these youngins will never understand...
+Mikey Thomas agree with you here, all the young kids now days get to watch LeFlop Shames lol
+sunnyboy8644 Hey that's a new one! Noted
+sunnyboy8644 watch yo mouth boy. lebron is greatness.
Eazy Breezy LMAO LeBumtards are delusional as fuck lol
greatness? lol GTFO kid.
Eazy Breezy LeBum Shames = The Greatest Flopper Of All Time .
One of Kobe's finest performances. He took over that game. The rest of the team was really shook but Kobe was unfazed with the pressure.
best olympics basketball final ever. Huge respect to Spain
Most clutch player in history. 28 game winners (not including game tying, freethrow game winners, or game winners with more than 24 seconds left, or where the other team has scored after)
1. May 10, 2000: Lakers 97 - Suns 96 (Playoffs)
2. June 14, 2000: Lakers 120 - Pacers 118 (Playoffs - NBA Finals)
*3.* Feb. 07, 2001: Lakers 85 - Suns 83
4. Feb. 13, 2001: Lakers 113 - Nets 110
5. Feb. 22, 2002: Lakers 96 - Hornets 94
6. May 12, 2002: Lakers 87 - Spurs 85 (Playoffs)
7. Dec. 06, 2002: Lakers 105 - Mavericks 103
8. April 04, 2003: Lakers 102 - Grizzlies 101
9. Dec. 19, 2003: Lakers 101 - Nuggets 99
10. April 14, 2004: Lakers 105 - Blazers 104
11. Mar. 12, 2005: Lakers 117 - Bobcats 116
12. Nov. 02, 2005: Lakers 99 - Nuggets 97
13. Jan. 12, 2006: Lakers 99 - Cavaliers 98
14. April 30, 2006: Lakers 99 - Suns 98 (Playoffs)
15. Jan. 14, 2008: Lakers 123 - Sonics 121
16. May 21, 2008: Lakers 89 - Spurs 85 (Playoffs)
17. Jul. 22, 2008: Blue 105 - White 104 (Team USA Scrimmage)
18. Jan. 09, 2009: Lakers 121 - Pacers 119
19. Dec. 04, 2009: Lakers 108 - Heat 107
20. Dec. 16, 2009: Lakers 107 - Bucks 106
21. Jan. 01, 2010: Lakers 109 - Kings 108
22. Jan. 31, 2010: Lakers 90 - Celtics 89
23. Feb. 23, 2010: Lakers 99 - Grizzlies 98
24. Mar. 09, 2010: Lakers 109 - Raptors 107
25. Feb. 12, 2012: Lakers 94 - Raptors 92
26. Mar. 31, 2012: Lakers 88 - Hornets 85
27. Mar. 03, 2013: Lakers 99 - Hawks 98
28. Mar. 08, 2013: Lakers 118 - Raptors 116
It was honestly a privilege to watch Kobe play, we should be so grateful to watch the greatest of all-time of our generation.
Facts...
Greatest of our generation then ?
Samuc Trebla
Probably he's gonna say LeBron.
Dunno, but I was just pointing out that GOAT of one generation is somehow nonsense
Kobe was the greatest from 2001-2010. Arguably til 2013. Player of the decade for sure between 2000-2009
My favorite Kobe moment. As a mavs fan that day kobe was on my team and it was a joy to root for him. Felt so much pride . Never forget that feeling and moment. Makes me tear up just thinking about it. RIP Kobe life isnt fair. Rest easy champ.
Looking across the board look how many stars there were on this floor. But we all knew who was the brightest star. What an absolute legend.
No way team USA wins this game without Kobe....Kobe took over that game, something that queen james couldnt do...and for those who say kobe doesnt like to pass this video proves that he does when he has guys that can actually make shots..
2012?
@@toomuch1308 ikr? 7 years ago so 2015 this dumb comment was made. lebron had a legendary game 6 against boston that I thought but an end to that bs narrative that LeBron cant take over a big game?
2005-2010 prime Kobe was a beast. It'll be so sad when he retires.
lirpa5 actually 2005-2013
lirpa5 he's prime before he broke his achilles at 2013
lirpa5 2002-2010**
lirpa5 2003-2011***
2011 proved he still had it with that crazy allstar game and him and phil still together
+lirpa5 this year going to be his last year
I was never a Lakers fan but this game cemented Kobe as a legend for me. Dude balled the hell out for his country. The "shhh" gesture at 2:03 is iconic.
RIP, Mamba.
GOAT 🐐
THE BLACK MAMBA 🐍
all of kobe's anger on losing finals to celtics poured to these poor olympic teams. legendary
Only time I've ever rooted for Kobe and I have to say it was quite enjoyable. This guy just doesn't feel pressure
I remember that game! It got to close for comfort. And Kobe came through like hes always done and he, by far, is the best closer in nba history, hands down!
Hell yeah! Kobe came through in the clutch. I remember watching it live as well. Them boys from Spain are the closest thing to team USA on the globe.
That Spain team was no joke. That team played together as a national team for years and were one of the best in the world. Team USA was definitely in danger of losing the game and the NBA's best American talent, when under pressure, looked to Kobe to save the day. And true to Mamba mentality, he stepped the f up. A legendary performance that showed a fully evolved, all around player that knew the right basketball plays. He created and exploited situations, drawing defenders to kick out to the pass. He took some tremendously tough shots and hit them. He hustled on D and stifled plays as he was able to read them as they happened. Legendary performance, one to be studied and watched by future generations. Thank you Kobe #Mambamentality #RIP824 #RIPGigi
Saved LeBron's Olympic legacy
Can't believe he's gone, this one hurts.
4-13-2016 Kobe Bryant congratulations on a hell of a career
Kobe doesn't pass = A quick lazy excuse to hate someone because it's the right thing to do among your peers with no knowledge of the person.
ryan49er1 first...you need "someone" to pass to!...lol.....
and Lebron that time was complaining to coach K about Kobe played selfisly and almost wanted him to kick out Kobe to the team but coach K knew only Kobe can change the team to make olympic champions
Kobe Bean Bryant. The best basketball player ever. Had no weakness in his game.
Except maybe missing many shots
@@gusfring8405 you just exposed yourself as a casual
@@kobebryant2566 its facts tho why u mad
Watching Kobe play basketball is one of the best forms of entertainment.
Shit, Its funny how everyone had a monster game during the regular tournament but during the final gold medal game it seemed everyone was hesitant to take a shot except Kobe and Wade, the only guys with championship rings on the squad at the time. Take out those two during 08, its probably another LeBronze medal, if you catch mah drift :)
Very true...wade is and always will be better than lechoke
Terr0rMKD D-Wade's prime was so short-lived. I mean really 06-09. Real tragedy
+Terr0rMKD wade should thank lebron for 2 extra rings
+JBF (Johnnyboy Films) why thank him when he already won one with out lebron
+JBF (Johnnyboy Films) Lebron went to go play with DWade. not the other way around. Lebron should be thanking DWade
This will always be one of the greatest performances of all time. Took over the game and showed the entire world why he was the best player in the world at the time. RIP Kobe, your legend will never die.
Best player on the team and it really wasn't close. Man, I love seeing the pride for our country that these guys played with, miss the olympics, miss Kobe Bryant most of all.
I don't know about all this goat stuff but this dude is the reason I started following basketball in south Africa...Mamba forever
Kobe Bryant showing why he was hands down without a shadow of a doubt the best amongst the best in the world!!
Can't believe Bron would disrespect kobe about shot selection. Bron must not realize that hardcore hoopers know kobe is better than him. Not everyone is an ESPN casual that let's BIG nose influence them.
Kobe Bryant silencing the crowd will be forever iconic to me
This team is better than the 2012 team
Hell nah 2012 was way better
Tre'Ven Fields 2008 had dwight howard, prime chris bosh, a more athletic lebron, a prime kobe, a prime wade, a prime chris paul, jason kidd, young athletic melo, and a prime deron williams
Jayykub757 I agree with what you are saying. I only laughed at "athletic melo"
Drew Paris i should've said slashing melo. when he was more of a player who would attack the paint instead of settle for poor jumpshots
Drew Paris Why is "athletic Melo" funny? I'll grant you that as Melo has aged he does pick some shitty shots, but back in his golden days, he was athletic as the best of them. He was never a speedster per se, but his first step was so demanding and explosive and his strength/size/mobility combination made it impossible to lock him down. Kobe actually said Melo was "strong as a bull" as well as being harder to guard than LeBron because of his unique combination, a sentiment echoed by Paul Pierce, KD, etc. And that's not even mentioning the fact he's got the sweetest stroke/rise in the NBA. He used to have demanding off the ball presence on D too.
He may not be as athletic as MJ or T-Mac, but to laugh at the notion of Melo being athletic is just dumb.
2:00 chills. GOAT.
The media out here trying to erase Kobe’s legacy. 😤 we must never forget that Kobe was second only to MJ. No one else.
I can't lie, the Bejing Olympics was fun to watch, especially seeing our boys from Team USA dominate the world. You can tell these guys had so much fun playing together. It must've been a great time for them on and off the court. Kobe even said winning gold with those guys was better than winning an NBA championship because you're representing the country and not just one city. This was truly a great, memorable Summer.
Everyone on that roster got better the year after playing with Kobe lol so dumb, people saying nobody wants to play with Kobe
Donnie Sack um.... the hell did that come from
Hip
Black Afro Gaming
where the hell did what come from nerd?
Donnie Sack wow u really showed me. What are u like 12 years old using childish words like nerd get the hell outta here with that bull
stupid conclusion
Who's here again to reminisce Kobe's greatness and because of Lebron
+Aj CH straight up. Gotta enjoy the greatness of these players while they're still playing
+Aj CH :DDD
It's good to see BRON so humble
+I Perzecute I Lebron humble? are you sure about that bro? remember how Wade and Lebron mocked Dirk during their Finals.... remember how the cavz and him flexed him biceps during their first basket of the 2014-2015 season?
+dokyumentaryo lol I never knew that omg
It’s so cool seeing all of these guys on the same team. SUPERSTARS.
Damn I miss Kobe. One of my all time favorite players. When I was growing up in LA, he was a legend.
Rip Kobe
The GOAT being the GOAT... that 4 point play, just a killer!
I remember watching this game and feeling the pressure because it was a Gold medal match and the USA was supposed to win easily especially with Lebron James Carmelo Anthony (& other all stars). It was anything but. It was a close game until Kobe took over and made huge pressure shots to help secure the victory. Kobe is the most clutch player in NBA history hands down.
i'm glad Kobe could deliver a gold medal to Lebron
dyodoublej well that a lie really Lebron playing in the Olympic games 2012 was no where near this good so that makes no sense
dyodoublej honestly i feel that the olympics are just a smaller training camp for the nba players
dyodoublej i think KD was the best player that time
+kiid2010 lol do u even know basketball. kobe was the best player at this time. then we got lebron, wade, prime d-will n melo.
+kiid2010 lol, what ignorance
Without Kobe that team wasn't winning gold.
Is true
Watching this again hits hard now that Kobe is not here no more. Prime Kobe is someone you won’t see again.
Kobe, the savior of USA Basketball.
He was the Guy in 2008
This just shows how Kobe was just heads and shoulders above the best players in the NBA, to takeover an olympic game with superstar teammates in unreal. It doesnt matter who's on the squad if it comes down to a shot Kobe's gonna take it. In 2016 if it comes down to one shot for the gold medal USA V Spain everybody's gonna look to Kobe regardless of who's on the squad, Lebron,Durant,Curry,Westbrook etc. cause everybody knows who the best closer is.
....which is durant
+Good Man Not even close Durant has one... maybe two gamewinners Kobe has 36.
+E dude there's a 10 minute video on TH-cam dedicated to kd's clutch shots....check it out. The man is cold blooded...the badd35t
+E And how many has he attempted? lol I believe kobe is still 7 for 28 in game tying/winning situations in the playoffs for his career....and that factors in his prime, your talking about 2016, 0% chance they would draw up a play for kobe now.
don't get me wrong i love kd but he's not on the same league as Kobe yet and who know he might never be
Coach K knew what’s up. Called time out and told Kobe to start getting some buckets for the gold. When they lost in 04 Olympics and 06 FIBA World Championships, Colangelo the director of USA basketball said if we had Kobe we would’ve won. That’s why Bron and Melo were so hyped. Got bronze twice.
I grew up hating the Lakers but seeing Kobe play like he did in the Beijing Olympics and represent the USA like he did made me a fan. RIP
Kobe won gold for us in '08, period.
We're all gonna miss Kobe once he's gone. Who's going to take his place in the NBA? Lebron is a beast, but his game is just that: a beast --- nowhere half as beautiful as Kobe's gracefulness and creativity. This is Kobe at the start of the downside of his career, no longer at his utmost prime .... and he still dominates like no other, because his mental toughness was still at its prime.
erie
Bruh
I used hate him but and the Lakers but when I know his really a good guy i became to like him..RIP Kobe your and you daughter and all that perished with you.May yall Rest In Peace.Much love
I remember watching the game live. Spain had the momentum and Kobe came in and took it away with each play. Kobe stepped up when everyone started to shrink. The 2008 Olympics were amazing.
Thank God Kobe Bryant joined the 2008 team... and this is coming from a lifelong, hometown bread Boston Celtics fan and Lakers hater. Bryant put USA on his back in the Gold Medal Game versus Spain. 2:00 still gives me chills.
TheSWFuniverse Same here that shit gives me chills. I remember watching this game live at my cousins house and screaming like a madman when Kobe hit that shot.
Man, now being 30 years old and looking back, how good was this Spain team that took on a prime lebron, kobe, melo, CP, bosh and howard, holy moly.
I came back in here after Kobe's death, rest easy mamba, ur the reason why my jersey number is 24, and also r.i.p to those people who also died in the crashed
Greatest clutch moment in basketball history because it was done on the international stage
and among all NBA superstars
lol
Tracy McGrady
+A Confused Shoe ooooohh shit tmac the shit , kb said tmac was his toughest competitor and tmac said the same thing about kb
yuuuup
this proved to all that kobe Bryant is the daddy of basketball at the time .. ofcourse youngbloods like d wade,lebron,melo started to prowl in but when it comes to the biggest stage ,that is ,representing your country, kobe,the daddy, is showin the boys how its really done when it matters LIVE in front of all the other superstars. he was the man,the talk of the town
+zaia blue well, it was his prime. 03 draft member were still young. check out 2012 olympic, roles changed
Erik E yep thats why i mentioned 'at the time' . The Lebron James batch were very comfortable in the league as if they were already taking over the league but nah .. it was still Kobe's league
+zaia blue It's weird hearing them say "3 championship" Kobe.
It was impossible for LeGM or Wade to outshine Kobe Bryant, no one can get close to Mamba Mentality as good as Kobe. EPIC
Wade low-key saved after Kobe and Bron got into foul trouble. Came off the bench and led the team in scoring
@@infinitymixtapes9562 You forgot Kobe guarded the best player in every national team.
The real GOAT, Kobe Bryant! True legends never die, your name will live on forever and ever! Fly high Kobe. Worlds greatest. RIP
Black Mamba putting the entire nation on his back. Thank you, Kobe.
Kobe Bryant is the best next thing to Michael Jordan I just love his game
dyodoublej I'm a real kobe fan
Jordan even thinks so😴
+dthomxa Jordan doesn't get to decide. Its a consensus type deal that everyone gets to decide and I'm not so sure Jordan does decide. He just said he would take him over lebron at one point. I also feel like Jordan always felt a little bit threatened by Lebron and never showed him much respect. I felt like he had a rivalry going on in his mind with Lebron
Come on now if you are a basketball ball fan you know LeBron wasn't better than kobe
dyodoublej i agree. Lebron is the better basketball player if we are comparing primes. He hasn't won as many championships but he could still win a couple more. even if he doesn't, he is still the better basketball player. I like them both, I'm just a realist.
That left wing 3PT from about... 24 ft? And1? And the shush afterwards? My favorite most iconic Kobe moment. That man was possessed on the court, especially that game.
damn, im crying
jsut finished watching The Redeem Team
just another video showing proof that Kobe is the GOAT.
period.
thisguy177 I love kobe, but you gotta admit MJ... nevermind, you won't get it lol.
+thisguy177 lets not get too excited man....... kobe is great , but he is not the G.O.A.T
+Jason L Michael jordan is awful overrated, the nigga just was tall and strong and most of his rivals were like 1.70 m or something
sunnyboy8644 prove me wrong nigga
Michael Kors LOL you're just clueless kiddo....
......so you're telling me none of these guys enjoyed playing with Kobe because he's a selfish ballhog who can't get along with teammates? Lies.
You can pass but still hog the ball. Hes selfish. Look at rondo,led league in assist but still hogs the ball.
that made no sense (rondo's a point guard and needs to have the ball in his hands most of the time to direct the action). Looks to me like all these elite players were having a fun time and enjoying playing with him
Sun Spot " led league in assists but still hogs the ball" yeah because that totally makes sense.
JBarber3d, Some can't appreciate greatness, but a lot of them can. Everyone including yourself, knows this is vintage Kobe at his best. Kobe's presence saved USA, after blowing the opportunity to win gold, in 04. When you're good, it's good to show the selfish side, with this performance.
Sun Spot nice logic fuckhead
I remember this game. I watched it. I was cheering so loud. I kept saying just give Kobe the damn ball. He was dominating the whole game. Ima miss my idol so much. Rest with the basketball gods Kobe and Gigi. 😔
Kobe and MJ had the strongest will to win, and they took their teams on their shoulders on most critical situations...can't say the same with Lebron.
Kobe and MJ created waves of opportunities for their team, Lebron just rode the tides that his superstar teammates created.
7 years already? It feels like just yesterday I was a kid in high school watching this game. Kobe's performance in this game made everyone on the team better. Wade, Bosh, LeBron, Melo, etc, all had career years after witnessing Kobe's greatness during this gold medal game.
+dyodoublej Are you serious dude? Lebron made his first all nba defense team after that year learning from Kobe the mentality and mindset you have to bring on that side each and every game? COincidence? I think not. Wade had his best statistical year because he wanted to prove to all his doubters he could still play at an elite level and he was a monster in 08-09. But playing in the Olympics with Kobe helped as well. CP3 had his best statistically season , a year after finishing runner up for MVP(which he probably should have won). Coincidence ? Know. After Playing with Kobe in the Olympic, all those guys raised their game the next year. Is that a coincidence? No
Where is Xavi and Iniesta?
lol
They were tired of winning the Eurocup
Probably watching back home.
Kobe... truly is the most fearless relentless player to play the game.
Kobe was an absolute legend. I love watching these highlights. Wish he was still here with us.
This is the guy everybody said Shaq carried through those finals. Goes on to win two more without Shaq. Great player.
Thank you Kobe. He seriously carried Team USA. They would have probably lost without him.
Come here after watch the redeem team.. RIP MAMBA one of the best clutch players
Glad prince and redd were on the squad. Much deserved 🔥
KOBE is Great
KOBE is Legend
KOBE is Epic
KOBE is Basketball 💯💯
Kobe>Lebron
We don’t win gold without Kobe.
Whats so impressive about this game is he gave spain the all around game. He passed, rebounded, shot the three, got to the rim and came up clutch
This was kobe in his prime just coming off his individual dominance without shaq and pau and just lost to the cletics in the finals so he was looking for revenge.
Prime kobe. A lot of prime kobe was wasted on trash teams cause his beginning before his prime he had shaq.
Then right when his prime is on the tail end he finally gets pau.