Jump directly to the content

Kobe Bryant was there when Team USA needed him the most.

After a hugely disappointing bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics, Bryant was at the core of 2008's Redeem Team.

Kobe Bryant brought gold glory back to Team USA in the Olympics
3
Kobe Bryant brought gold glory back to Team USA in the OlympicsCredit: Getty

But for all of his impressive accomplishments that year, one stat stands out the most.

Bryant was a perfect 36-0 while playing for Team USA, which includes Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 12.

"If Kobe wasn't on the team, USA would still lose in 2008," one fan tweeted.

"Kobe was the man!" a second fan posted.

READ MORE ON OLYMPICS

Bryant averaged 13.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 37 percent on 3-pointers in 16 Olympic games.

He went undefeated during his two Summer Games appearances, then went 20-0 during other tournaments with Team USA.

Kevin Durant is the all-time leading scorer for the team.

But Bryant was the center piece of a 2008 squad that avenged the bronze from '04 by bringing LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh together.

Bryant was relentless in the Olympics and helped build his legacy
3
Bryant was relentless in the Olympics and helped build his legacyCredit: Getty
Team USA turned to Bryant for gold redemption in 2008
3
Team USA turned to Bryant for gold redemption in 2008Credit: AFP

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski utilized Bryant's intensity and dedication to get the best of the USA squad in 2008.

Bryant embraced the win-or-fail pressure that comes with Team USA and never lost while wearing red, white and blue.

Kobe Bryant receives a standing ovation at his final NBA All-Star game before kissing daughter Gianna and waving goodbye to the crowd

"We (were) kind of surprised that he even wanted to be a part of Team USA after everything that went on (in 2004)," James said.

Anthony revealed that Bryant was a different player with Team USA, uniting with his normal NBA opponents to return the US to the peak of the basketball world.

" 'Kobe you're here to play with us, we're here to play with you,' " Anthony told Bryant. " 'We don't need Laker Kobe, we need Team USA Kobe. He was like, 'I get it, I understand it. I'm tired of watching y'all lose.' "

Bryant never lost with Team USA and holds an undefeated record that James can never top, since he was part of the 2004 team that finished with a bronze medal.

Michael Jordan went 30-0 in international play, while Jason Kidd was a perfect 46-0.

Read More on talkSPORT

A 2024 team featuring Steph Curry and James is currently in Las Vegas preparing for the Paris Olympics.

While 17-year-old Cooper Flagg shined in warmup practices, Steve Kerr's squad is a Paris favorite and aiming for another gold medal.

Topics