Kobe Bryant has had a change of heart. Despite proclaiming last year he wanted to earn a spot on the 2016 Olympic basketball team, the 37-year-old Bryant has decided to forgo any attempts at making the team.
The Lakers star, who has already announced his intent on retiring from the NBA after this season, informed reporters of his decision to withdraw his name from Team USA consideration before Saturday’s game against the Jazz.
Kobe just said he's not going to play in the Olympics: "I think it's the young guys' turn to go and play and perform."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 17, 2016
Kobe said he wants his final game to be in Lakers purple and gold, which will be against Utah at Staples Center in April, not for Team USA.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 17, 2016
It’s hard to see fault in that explanation, but one has to wonder whether this is actually Kobe’s decision, or whether he was just given the opportunity to bow out gracefully.
