Report: Kobe shoots down idea of run at Rio Games
Kobe Bryant doesn't appear willing to go back on his decision to skip the Rio Summer Olympics.
Despite Stephen Curry and LaMarcus Aldridge already opting out, sources close to Bryant shot down the idea of the 37-year-old playing in Rio, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Bryant already ruled himself out of consideration back in January, claiming that it was time to offer up his spot for the next generation of NBA stars.
''Since my retirement announcement, I'm able to watch these guys in a different light,'' Bryant told reporters this winter. ''I've come to terms with the fact that they are the future of this game. These are the guys who deserve the spots in Rio. These are the guys who people need to watch and root for. These are the guys to show fans where this game is going in the future.
''I've had my moment.''
Bryant won gold in both the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games. He announced after winning in London that it was likely it for his Olympic career.
The 18-time All-Star concluded his NBA career in April after 20 seasons, scoring 60 points against the Utah Jazz on a career-high 50 shots.