Jason Kidd lob to LeBron James on the Redeem Team
The greatest basketball play ever that never was.
In 2007, the Redeem Team got together for the FIBA American Championship. Team USA cruised in the tournament, but this particular game was the semifinals against Argentina on August 30.
Up by 24 in the fourth quarter, Jason Kidd threw the one-handed lob to LeBron James – from the three-point line, while dribbling away from the hoop.
Kidd hit the top right corner of the backboard with precision. The ball is high up there, and this is 2008. He knew nobody was getting up to that ball besides LeBron James.
LeBron snatched the ball easily. No one jumped with him, because the pass was so unexpected. Only Kidd could’ve make that pass.
This should’ve been an easy finish for Bron, but the pass, and ease to which he was in a position to throw it down, probably threw him off. Also, that 25 point lead might’ve had something to do with it.
The announcers even knew we’d just witnessed a potential all-time great basketball play.
Mike Torico: “LeBron, that’s a shame he didn’t finish that.”
Bill Walton: “Cause if he had finished that, we’d be watching it forever.”
This play has virtually disappeared, but if LeBron had dunked that ball, it would be one of the most remembered highlights in the basketball world.
About the game:
The Redeem Team beat Argentina 91-76. Kobe Bryant was the leading scorer with 27 points. Dwight Howard led on the rebounds with nine. Kidd was the leading assist man with seven. Luis Scola led Argentina with 20 points.
