Kobe Bryant says he will not play for USA Basketball in 2016 Rio Olympics

Kobe Bryant announced he will not play in the upcoming 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Kobe Bryantannounced Saturday he will not play in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Bryant announced in 2015 he will retire from the NBA after this season, his 20th with the Los Angeles Lakers. He had previously expressed interest in participating in one more Olympic games.

Bryant played for Team USA during both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, helping the U.S. win a gold medal each time.

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Kobe Bryant will not pursue a spot on the 2016 Olympics team. "I think it's the young guys' turn to go. ... I've had my moment."

— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) January 16, 2016

Kobe Bryant: "I think it will be pretty sweet to play my last game in a Lakers uniform."

— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) January 17, 2016

Bryant has struggled for much of his final season with the Lakers. He is averaging 17 points, 3.4 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game, all below his career averages.