Kobe, Lebron Charm Fellow Olympians

Lebron James clowned around with the U.S. softball team and Kobe Bryant posed for photos with every U.S. Olympian who marched in Friday's Opening Ceremonies and requested one, according to pole vaulter Jeff Hartwig.

Hartwig said James and Bryant charmed the other U.S. athletes when they arrived at the gymnastics venue, where all of the Olympians assembled before parading into the stadium. Hartwig said it "was a big free-for-all" for about two hours, as athletes traded introductions and photos.

Bryant "was great," Hartwig said. "Coming out of the stadium, I think Kobe stopped to take a picture with every single person who asked him. He didn't turn anybody down."

The President and Laura Bush greeted the athletes, too, posing for pictures with each team.

By Amy Shipley  |  August 10, 2008; 7:51 AM ET  | Category:  Basketball , Opening Ceremonies , Track and Field
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