Kobe Bryant, widely regarded as one of basketball’s all-time greats, stunned fans by naming his ideal Team USA starting lineup without LeBron James included. The announcement highlights Bryant’s unique perspective based on his extensive experience representing the United States in international competition.
Throughout his 20-year NBA career exclusively with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant forged a path marked by championships and legendary moments. He was an integral part of dominant Lakers teams in the early 2000s alongside Shaquille O’Neal and later earned two consecutive NBA Finals MVP honors. Beyond the NBA, Bryant’s impact extended to the global stage where he earned two Olympic gold medals as a member of Team USA in 2008 and 2012.
Kobe Bryant’s Legacy on Team USA
Kobe Bryant played in 10 games for Team USA, spanning two Olympic tournaments—the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics—where he helped secure gold medals both times. Averaging 11 points per game, Bryant was a key figure in helping the United States reclaim dominance after a disappointing bronze finish in Athens in 2004, which led to the creation of the Redeem Team.
His role in these triumphant squads cemented his status as one of the most decorated American basketball players internationally. It is from this rich background that Bryant selected his all-time Team USA starting five, offering an insider’s view that has surprised many basketball fans.
Magic Johnson Anchors the Point Guard Spot
Among Bryant’s choices is Magic Johnson, an all-time great who revolutionized the point guard position during his era with the Lakers. Johnson’s electrifying “Showtime” style helped popularize the NBA globally, and though professional players were initially barred from Olympic competition, Magic joined the USA’s 1992 Dream Team after the rule change.
At age 33, Johnson was nearing the end of his prime, yet he contributed significantly to Team USA’s unparalleled success in 1992. Bryant’s inclusion of Magic reflects their shared Lakers heritage and recognizes Johnson’s impact on and off the court.
Michael Jordan: The Greatest and a Close Influence
Michael Jordan, often hailed as the greatest basketball player ever, made two Olympic appearances. In 1984, while still in college, Jordan led the U.S. team to a gold medal in Los Angeles. Eight years later, he played on the 1992 Dream Team that dominated international competition.
Although Jordan did not top the scoring charts for the Dream Team, he was their most recognizable player and symbol of excellence. Kobe’s respect and friendship with Jordan influenced his choice to include him, reflecting the profound impact MJ had on Kobe’s game and basketball history.
The Consistency and Shooting Prowess of Larry Bird
Larry Bird’s international career extended beyond the Dream Team, having participated in the 1977 World University Games gold medal squad and the 1992 FIBA Americas Championship team. Despite being close to retirement in 1992, Bird still averaged 10 points per game during the Olympics.
Known as one of the greatest shooters in basketball history, Bird’s presence alongside Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan would create exceptional spacing and synergy on the hypothetical all-time Team USA. Bryant’s choice of Bird underscores both his talent and strategic fit.
Hakeem Olajuwon’s Defensive Mastery and Leadership
Hakeem Olajuwon often ranks among basketball’s finest yet remains somewhat underrated compared to other legends. Nicknamed “The Dream,” Olajuwon exhibited a legendary work ethic and evolved into a top-tier two-way player. He is one of the few athletes to earn both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors in the same season.
Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to two NBA championships and, after becoming a U.S. citizen in 1993, represented Team USA at the 1996 Olympics where they secured a gold medal. Kobe Bryant frequently sought his guidance, especially for post moves later in his career, highlighting the respect Olajuwon held among his peers.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Place Without Olympic History
The fifth and final player in Bryant’s starting five is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a basketball icon with arguably the most impressive career resume, despite never representing Team USA. During a period when NBA players were ineligible for Olympic competition, Abdul-Jabbar had only one chance to participate in 1968, which he declined.
In his book Coach Wooden and Me, Abdul-Jabbar explained that he chose not to attend the Mexico City Olympics because of the racial tensions and civil rights struggles gripping America, including the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and widespread riots. He felt participating would send the wrong message during a time of profound social injustice.
“The idea of going to Mexico to have fun seemed so selfish in light of the racial violence that was facing the country. The previous summer had seen two major riots, one in Newark that had lasted five days, and one in Detroit that had lasted eight days. And on April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., had been assassinated.”
—Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Author of Coach Wooden and Me
“White America seemed ready to do anything necessary to stop the progress of civil rights, and I thought that going to Mexico would seem like I was either fleeing the issue or more interested in my career than in justice. I couldn’t shake the feeling that if I did go and we won, I’d be bringing honor to the country that was denying our rights.”
—Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Author of Coach Wooden and Me
Despite his absence from Olympic competition, Kobe Bryant’s decision to include Abdul-Jabbar reflects the legendary center’s exceptional talent and lasting influence on basketball, suggesting he would have been a phenomenal Team USA player had circumstances allowed.
Implications of Bryant’s Unique Starting Five
Kobe Bryant’s all-time Team USA starting five illuminates his deep knowledge of basketball history and his respect for players who combined individual greatness with international success. The omission of LeBron James has sparked surprise and debate among fans, reflecting the highly subjective nature of assessing the greatest team lineups.
Bryant’s lineup blends eras and styles, featuring Magic Johnson’s leadership, Michael Jordan’s competitive fire, Larry Bird’s shooting, Hakeem Olajuwon’s defense, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance inside. This selection emphasizes skill sets that complement each other, as well as personal influences on Kobe’s basketball journey.
As conversations continue around the greatest American basketball players to represent Team USA, Bryant’s choices will remain a topic of spirited discussion, highlighting the evolving appreciation of basketball legacies and how select players are remembered both on and off the court.