More Leaked Footage Shows Rare Team USA Exchange Between 2 Lakers Champions
With Team USA staying alive thus far in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves becoming a pivotal part of their young group, it is only right that we have been receiving some exclusive footage from past US squads.
Not too long ago, a viral exchange between Russell Westbrook and Kobe Bryant was unveiled to the public where the two stars were battling in a Team USA practice and Westbrook was letting Bryant know after he scored on him.
Lakers fans are well-aware of the Black Mamba's competitive spirit as he adopted a mentality during his 20-season career with the organization that would not allow him to back down to anybody.
Netflix's 'Redeem Team' documentary did an amazing job of capturing how Bryant was able to help transcend the team and get them back to winning ways. His presence on the roster alone motivated his other superstar teammates to work even harder day in and day out and push for a gold medal.
One of those teammates was LeBron James as he was in the midst of coming into his own in 2008 and he jumped at the opportunity to suit up for the US once again. Looking back on it, it's incredible that even though James and Bryant never got to play together in the NBA, they were able to do so for the Olympics.
However, it looks like James decided to take control during USA's 2008 gold medal game against Spain. The superstar small forward let Bryant know when he was taking some questionable shots and motivated him to drive the ball instead.
Take a listen for yourself!
We loved seeing these two compete together and this footage only further shows how they pushed one another!
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