My fondest memory of Kobe Bryant didn’t even take place on American soil, nor did it even involve him playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. It was during the 2008 Olympics, with the Redeem Team facing the Spain national team in the gold medal match.
With a little more than three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Team USA had a precarious 5-point lead against Spain. Dwyane Wade had the ball and forced himself into the paint, which collapsed the defense. Wade passed the ball out toward the left wing, where Kobe was stationed.