Last Updated:September 07, 2025, 10:44 IST
LeBron James and Chris Paul made history as active NBA players inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with the 2008 Redeem Team, honoring Kobe Bryant and other legends.
LeBron James was inducted into the Naismith HOF along with his ‘Redeem Team’ teammates (AP)
LeBron James added another milestone to his legendary career on Saturday, becoming one of the first two active NBA players ever inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
James, 40, entered the Hall as part of the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball squad, famously known as the “Redeem Team.”
The roster, which included Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul, restored Team USA’s supremacy in international basketball after the disappointment of a bronze medal finish in Athens in 2004.
In Beijing, they stormed through the tournament, defeating Spain in the final to capture Olympic gold.
‘Surreal’ Moment Come True For LeBron
“It’s surreal,” James said, donning the Hall’s iconic orange jacket during the ceremony. The NBA posted a video of him smiling on stage, clearly savoring the moment.
The night also honored several of James’ peers. Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard were enshrined as individual members of the Class of 2025, while Chris Paul joined James in making history as an active player inducted via the Redeem Team.
The late Kobe Bryant, already part of the Class of 2020, was also honored again through his role on the squad.
Noticeably missing from the induction of the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s team was the late Kobe Bryant, whose spirit was felt on stage. Former Olympic teammate LeBron James was sure to honor Bryant during the team’s enshrinement.
“He was the missing link we needed in order to regain dominance with Team USA,” James said of Bryant.
James, the NBA’s oldest active player and a 21-time All-Star, is still writing his story. Whenever he retires, he will need to wait three seasons before individual Hall of Fame consideration.
But for now, his place in basketball immortality — alongside the Redeem Team — is secure.
Joining the Class of 2025 were other icons: Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, veteran referee Danny Crawford, Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, and Miami Heat executive Micky Arison.
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!First Published:
September 07, 2025, 10:44 IST
News sports Historic! LeBron James Gets Inducted Into Basketball Hall of Fame Whilst An Active PlayerDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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