Kobe passes torch, drops out of Rio Olympics consideration

The Lakers are scheduled to play their final game of the regular season against the Jazz on April 13 in Los Angeles.

At first glance, it looks like Kobe Bryant did USA Basketball a favor by taking his name out of the running for a spot on the US team for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“Since my retirement announcement, I’m able to watch these (younger) guys in a different light”, Bryant said. He won gold at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics.

“[He] comes up to me and goes, ‘See you in Rio, ‘” Bryant recalled.

Before Bryant and the Lakers take on the Utah Jazz Saturday night, Bryant noted that he will indeed not be pursuing a spot on the team as some had hoped he would.

He has told the decision to the USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo and Olympic coach Mike Krzyzewski, saying it’s time for others to enjoy the Olympic journey. He’ll retire with a 36-0 record in worldwide play. I think it’s important for them to go ahead and play.

His shoulder is aching and there’s concern about his Achilles.

Bryant, 37, has battled through injuries that have cut each of his last three seasons short, but reports have lingered that the shooting guard could still be in contention for one of the United States’ 12 roster spots this summer. Fans have celebrated him on the road – they even cheered for him wildly in Boston, with Celtics fans giving the longtime Laker rival a long, warm salute – and he is nearly certain to be the leading vote-getter for the NBA All-Star Game in Toronto next month.

This season will be Bryant’s last in the NBA, and he said he wants his last competitive basketball game to come wearing a Lakers uniform.