Tale of two champions | U.S. men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and LeBron James

U.S. coach Michael Krzyzewski gives his team instructions during the men’s final basketball game at the 2012 London Olympics. (Martin Bureau / AFP / Getty Images)

Aug. 12, 2012 4:27 PM PT

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Team USA coach Mike Krzyewski and LeBron James have each been hated as much as loved. But together, on this final day of the Olympics, their much-documented embrace following a gold medal victory against Spain was showered by a single cheer that united not only them, but those who have questioned them.

Team USA’s LeBron James dunks during the Olympics gold medal basketball final. James had 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

U.S. men’s basketball coach Michael Krzyzewski, left, directs his players during the basketball final against Spain. Krzyzewski says this was his last Olympics. (Mark Ralston / AFP / Getty Images)

Team USA’s LeBron James hugs coach Michael Krzyzewski after the United States defeated Spain to win the gold medal. Krzyzewski finishes his international career with a 62-1 record, two Olympic championships and one world championship. (Morry Gash / Associated Press)

LeBron James congratulates coach Michael Krzyzewski after beating Spain. James joins Michael Jordan as the only player to win regular-season MVP, Finals MVP, an NBA championship and an Olympic championship. (Victor R. Caivano / Associated Press)

LeBron James douses Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski and Kevin Love after the United States team beat Spain to win the gold medal. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Tale of two champions | U.S. men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and LeBron James

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