LeBron James says Kobe Bryant was the missing link that re‑ignited Team USA's 2008 Redeem Team, bringing a seriousness that forced James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony to lock in. Kobe’s finish against Spain sealed gold and left a standard for effort, leadership and clutch execution that carried into 2012 and beyond, shaping both real rosters and fantasy outlooks.