Tag: 2008 Olympics

Flashback: LeBron James’ hilarious Kobe imitation on Team USA in ’08

LeBron James has always had a well-known sense of humor, one that was good enough to even make Kobe Bryant crack up in 2008.

Although the debates, both old and new about who the best player ever is are continuing to be brought up with ferocity in light of the release of ESPN and Netflix’s “The Last Dance,” partisans of Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as the GOAT could stand to appreciate some of the moments between the players they all consider the best. Over the last few months since Kobe’s passing, we’ve learned more about how close he and LeBron James were, as well as how LeBron looked up to him earlier in his career. Perhaps one of the most defining things about their rivalry, which never culminated in an NBA Finals, was their friendship. Part of that friendship, like most, came with making jokes.

LeBron’s sense of humor and proclivity for cracking jokes with his teammates even made Kobe laugh when the subject was Kobe himself. A video recently resurfaced from the 2008 Olympics when LeBron started imitating Kobe’s mannerisms right in front of Kobe.

Kobe was rarely in the mood for jokes, but humor appears to be one of the ways that he and LeBron used to connect as friends.

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Gary Russell Jr.: Disappointed Olympian, successful professional

Gary Russell Jr.’s Olympic dream died when he missed his weigh-in but he can take pride in his professional accomplishments.

Gary Russell Jr. made the wrong kind of news as a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.

Russell never threw a punch at the Beijing Games because he missed his weigh-in – and was subsequently disqualified – after collapsing in his room as a result of his efforts to make the 119-pound weight limit.

Of course, he was devastated. His dream died. However, 11-plus years later, he can take some solace. He arguably is the second-most successful professional from the 2008 U.S. team.

Here is a ranking of that team according to professional accomplishments.

Deontay Wilder admires his work in a dramatic Round 7 in his knockout victory over Luis Ortiz in November. AP Photo / John Locher

NO. 1 DEONTAY WILDER
Olympics results: Bronze medal
Pro record: 42-0-1 (41 KOs)
Titles won: Heavyweight (2015-current)
Notable victims: Bermane Stiverne (twice), Chris Arreola, Luis Ortiz (twice)
Summary: Wilder is clearly the class of the 2008 U.S. team. He has become known for arguably the hardest punch – his big right hand – in the history of the sport. And he has endured. He has made 10 successful title defenses, which equals Muhammad Ali for fifth most in a single heavyweight reign.

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