Kobe Bryant won’t play in ’16 Olympics
By Jacob Rude
Jan 10, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers players Chris Kaman (left), Jordan Hill (center) and Kobe Bryant react during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Even if Kobe Bryant isn’t making noise ON the court, he’s staying in the headlines OFF the court. Bryant confirmed what many assumed since the summer of 2012 when he told reporters he wouldn’t be playing in the Olympics in 2016.
https://twitter.com/SerenaWinters/status/425426486384791553
The story gained traction when, in his pre-game presser, Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said he’d try to convince Bryant to play in the 2016 Olympics. Thibs will be an assistant on the Team USA roster for the Olympics. Bryant, however, doesn’t suspect Thibs will change his mind.
https://twitter.com/SerenaWinters/status/425428886503952384
https://twitter.com/SerenaWinters/status/425429040460099584
Bryant has more than made his mark on the international game. In 2008, Bryant made his Olympic debut by leading Team USA to a gold medal over his teammate Pau Gasol and the Spanish national team. Four years later and under entirely different circumstances, Bryant still was a key contributor in the successful repeat of the team’s gold medal quest.
In terms of this year, Bryant’s return is still uncertain, with the latest target date being late January at the end of the Grammy road trip.