Kobe Bryant Latest Retirement News: Kobe Changes Tune, Says He Won't Try Out for Rio Olympics
Kobe Bryant signified earlier this month that he wanted to become part of the next US basketball team bound for the Rio Olympics. Although there are so many younger guys who could provide a much better chance of defending the gold medal, it makes a lot of sense to have him join the squad as a way to honor him before his retirement.
However, the Lakers great changed his tune last Saturday by saying that he no longer will compete for a spot for the 2016 Olympic Game in Rio. Talking to several reporters, he said that being in a Laker uniform in his last game as a basketball player is "pretty sweet" on its own. He believes the younger guys should be given the chance to play and perform in the world's biggest basketball stage.
But he will be leaving the game without any regrets when it comes to Olympic glory. The 37-year-old already owns two gold medals and that is more than enough. Every professional basketball player does not even mind not having won a single medal so long as they get the opportunity to represent their country.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The 17-time All-Star, though, implied that he's fully supporting those who get the prestigious opportunity to represent US basketball. "I've had my moment. I think it's important for them to go ahead and play. I'll watch from afar, support from afar," he said.
When he retires at the end of this season, he'll be remembered as one of the most competitive and passionate players in the history of the game. But while the excuse of giving others the chance to prove themselves in the international stage is good enough, the fact remains that Bryant himself may already have second thoughts because his body is already beginning to disappoint him. At 37, he has had a fair share of injuries and health issues; the most recent one is a sore Achilles that has kept him in and out of the lineup in the regular season.
