Team USA's Gold Medal Game Has Special Kobe Bryant Connection

BEIJING – AUGUST 24: Kobe Bryant #10 of the United States poses with his gold medal after winning the men’s gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games against Spain at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States defeated Spain 118-107 to take the men’s gold medal. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jesse D&period; Garrabrant/Getty Images

With their win over Serbia in the Olympic semifinal, the Team USA men’s basketball team is heading to the gold medal game against France with their eyes set on a fifth straight gold. But there are some interesting connections to the late-great Kobe Bryant that fans have noticed heading into the game.

The Olympic final is slated for August 10, 2024 or 8/10/24. As some have noticed, all three of those numbers were worn by the Black Mamba during his legendary career.

Kobe wore the numbers 8 and 24 with the Los Angeles Lakers and wore the No. 8 at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics when the U.S. won the first two of their five straight gold medals.

Many fans are seeing it as a sign that Team USA absolutely have to win on Saturday to honor Kobe’s memory:

“The date of Saturday’s gold medal game is 8/10/24… Coincidence? Nah… it’s time to do it for Kobe, the ULTIMATE Team USA leader,” one user declared.

“USA gotta win gold Saturday for Kobe ..8/10/24 is the date Saturday ..that’s Kobe two lakers jersey numbers and his team USA jersey number..crazy,” wrote another.

“THE SCRIPT IS IN: TEAM USA NEEDS TO WIN GOLD FOR KOBE BRYANT. They are playing for Gold on Saturday, 8/10/24. Kobe’s Lakers numbers: 24 & 8 along with his Team USA jersey number,” a third declared.

Will Team USA win the gold medal against France?