If you were hoping to see Kobe Bryant play at the 2016 Rio Olympics, you’re going to be sorely disappointed.
The Lakers legend, who will retire at the end of the season, told Los Angeles Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell he wants to play his final game in Lakers purple and gold.
It’s quite a change of thought for the shooting guard who seemed destined to suit up for team USA one more time. Bryant said just earlier last month that he’d very happy to participate in another Olympics, telling ESPN Radio “I would love nothing more than to be in an international environment and be around some of the other great athletes one more time.”
Perhaps the grind of a horrible season – the Lakers sit dead last in the Western Conference at 9-33 – took a toll on Bryant. He’s had the worst season of his career, shooting .347 from the field, and .250 from the three-point line, averaging 17.0 points per game on 17.0 shots. While he’s a team USA legend, there’s a good shot he probably wouldn’t have made the team – at least in a role with any significance.
Going out with the Lakers is a more fitting end to Bryant’s career anyway. His last game is against the Jazz at the Staples Center in April, and he’ll have his home fans cheering him on. That sounds like a great way to go out.
[Uproxx]