Sun Sep 07 06:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**LeBron James Honors Kobe Bryant at Redeem Team Hall of Fame Induction**
SPRINGFIELD, MA – Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2008 “Redeem Team,” used the occasion to pay tribute to the late Kobe Bryant. James, visibly moved while receiving his Hall of Fame jacket, spoke about the impact Bryant had on Team USA’s journey to Olympic gold.
“It was the missing link that we needed to regain dominance,” James said, describing Bryant’s addition to the team. He emphasized Bryant’s seriousness and commitment, which inspired James and other teammates like Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony to elevate their game. “We knew once he joined… that we couldn’t be doing nothing half-a****. Kob wasn’t going for that.”
James, who was 23 at the time, highlighted Bryant’s championship pedigree and how it motivated him to strive for similar success. He concluded by stating, “By the end of that trip, we were hoisting that gold medal on that podium. We, for sure, made him proud.”
Bryant, fresh off a Finals loss to the Boston Celtics, played a crucial role in securing the gold medal for Team USA before winning back-to-back NBA titles with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010. James would later win his first NBA championship in 2012.
During his own induction speech, former teammate Dwight Howard also acknowledged James’ presence, sparking a lively reaction from the crowd. Former Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony was also inducted into the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.
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