Kobe Bryant leveled Pau Gasol in the Olympics.
Bryant was aware of what Spain was going to do and wanted to set the tone for the Americans.
Bryant inspired his teammates as the US won.
Bryant was going to send a message.
The US men's Olympic team recalled that Bryant tried to set the tone in a game against Spain.
The US team was trying to recover from a disappointing bronze medal in 2004, while the Spanish team was trying to retain their gold medal.
Bryant would face off against Gasol in the game between the US and Spain, which would feature the two gold-medal favorites.
"Kob said he's going to set the tone to start the game," James said. He said he was running through Pau's chest.
The US players said, "Man, you tripping." That is your friend. You tripped. You're not going to do this.
Bryant knew the play Spain was going to run and that Gasol would be setting the last screen on the play, according to D Wade.
Wade said that he said, "I'm running through that motherfuck."
Bryant expected Spain to run a play. Bryant knocked Gasol onto his back as Gasol prepared to screen him.
The tone was set when Bryant was called for the foul.
James said they were like, Holy shit.
Bryant visited Gasol and his teammates before the game to "soften" them up, according to Gasol.
Gasol said he wanted to send a message to his teammates, "Hey this might be my brother, I play with him, we're close, but I don't care about anything else but winning."
The US won the gold medal in the game after scoring 118 unanswered points.
You can watch the clip here. "The Redeem Team" will be released in October.
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