LeBron James and Dwyane Wade brought the insides of the 2008 Redeem Team to the world. The recent documentary of the iconic team shed light on the aura of Kobe Bryant. A man who single-handedly moved the entire star-studded roster. His veteran presence became a huge factor in the USA bouncing back as king of the basketball world after the 2004 upset. However, they also saw another side of the Los Angeles Lakers legend. Notably, the moments where he was just Kobe Bryant and not the ‘Black Mamba’. In a recent interview, the Flash revealed some insights into his bond with the five-time champion.

D-Wade is arguably one of the best shooting guards to ever touch an NBA floor. He was fast, athletic, a lockdown defender, and most importantly, had the killer instinct just like Bryant. The Flash was only 26 years old when he made it to the Redeem Team. Taking the upsets of 2004 along, he was gearing up to show the world just who he was. However, Wade was the second choice, and he couldn’t do much about it. Because the starting spot was occupied by Kobe Bryant.

Their time on the Redeem Team got the two legendary shooting guards together. But Wade revealed how the ‘Black Mamba’ had nothing but the game on his mind.

Retaking the reigns of dominance from the world, the 2008 USA Olympics team was arguably one of the greatest squads in sports history. Notably, Dwyane Wade said going into the camp, no one had a relationship with Kobe. And while they saw the moments of his unworldly work ethic come to life, they also were able to see the personal side of Kobe Bryant.

The truth behind Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant’s relationship

D-Wade said: “Like being able to sit like this with him and have conversations with him and be able to understand his mindset, be able to laugh with him, that’s a lot. That’s a lot for Kobe. At that time, Kobe wasn’t a laugher, he didn’t talk to you, he didn’t dab you up before games.”

The stories about Kobe Bryant’s insane work ethic seem unreal to most. The ‘Black Mamba’ wanted to leave nothing out during his basketball career. He wanted to be the best he could ever be. Likewise, the Lakers icon understood his personal life would take a big hit. But his first Olympics undoubtedly was a special experience for him. The 18-time All-Star was able to motivate the entire roster with his work ethic. Bryant felt the hunger and desperation of all his USA teammates to be on top of the basketball world once again.

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READ MORE – “Holy S**t”: Kobe Bryant Left LeBron James and Rest of the Redeem Team in Disbelief After Bizarre Incident With His Lakers Teammate

Their bond and the chemistry of the Redeem Team were one of the biggest reasons they were able to rise from the ruins. The 2004 and 2008 rosters both were stacked with stars. However, the 2004 Athens team didn’t have Kobe Bryant in USA colors. His leadership and guidance helped the Redeem Team come together as a unit. And with his laser focus to win, there was almost no doubt that the USA would win gold once again.

WATCH THIS STORY: Kobe Bryant vs. Stephen Curry Finals MVP stats and performance: Who did it better?

Do you think without Kobe Bryant, the Redeem Team would have won the gold medal in 2008? Let us know your views in the comments below.