In a recent episode of the popular podcast, ‘All The Smoke,’ former NBA player Tyson Chandler took a trip down memory lane. He revisited his time as a teammate of the late Kobe Bryant during the 2012 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team. Additionally the iconic journey of Team USA to Olympic gold in London.
Chandler’s candid reflections shed new light on the fascinating dynamics that played out behind the scenes. Back in 2012, the USA Basketball team was gearing up for the London Olympics. Among the star-studded roster was Kobe Bryant, an iconic figure in the world of the NBA.
He was at the time the oldest player on the team at nearly 34 years old. His experience and leadership were undeniable, but so was his reputation for being the “grumpy old man” in the locker room, as Tyson Chandler revealed in the podcast.
Chandler’s recollections paint a vivid picture of the locker room’s unique blend of personalities. LeBron James, often known for his charismatic and playful demeanor, emerged as the team’s jokester, injecting humor into every situation. Carmelo Anthony, with his DJ-like control over the music, brought an energetic vibe reminiscent of Radio Raheem.
Kobe Bryant was the oldest player on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team
Young stars like James, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook formed a close-knit group, bringing youthful enthusiasm and energy to the team. This balanced out Kobe Bryant’s serious approach.
While LeBron and the younger stars reveled in the lighter side of the league, Bryant remained determined in his dedication to the game. Chandler vividly recalls, “Kob was the older dude that wasn’t trying to hear all that laughing and joking and s—”.
Bryant’s focus and commitment to the sport were unwavering, making him a steadying force amidst the youthful enthusiasm. Despite his reputation as the “grumpy old man,” Kobe Bryant’s contributions on the court were invaluable.
(2012) Good Olympic vibes from London 2012 a few hours before the debut of the @usabasketball Men’s National Team at @Tokyo2020. 🇺🇸🥇#kevindurant #durant #kd #carmeloanthony #anthony #melo #lebronjames #lebron #lbj #kobebryant #kobe #bryant #usa #basketball #olympics #tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/LvTq3HRB5z
— In The Showcase (@intheshowcase) July 25, 2021
The Lakers star embraced a supporting role, averaging 12.1 points per game, ranking fourth on the team behind Durant, Anthony, and James. Bryant’s experience and clutch performances played a pivotal part in Team USA‘s road to Olympic gold.
Tyson Chandler, too, played a crucial role on the 2012 team. As the team’s true center, he started all eight games but averaged just over 11 minutes per game, underscoring the versatility and depth of the squad.
Kobe Bryant’s legacy extends far beyond his time on the court. His influence continues to be felt within the Lakers organization and USA Basketball. Recently, the 2023 FIBA World Cup witnessed Team USA facing a bitter defeat against Germany in the semifinals. This prompted fans to revisit Bryant’s interviews and determination.