Kobe: I won't pursue 2016 Olympic spot
Kobe Bryant wants his last game to be played in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform.
There's been some speculation about the possibility of Bryant's inclusion on the U.S. roster for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, but the 37-year-old shut that down pregame against the Utah Jazz on Saturday.
"Since my retirement announcement, I'm able to watch these guys in a different light," Bryant said. "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."
He added, "I've had my moment."
Last summer, Bryant skipped Team USA's mandatory minicamp to recover from a shoulder injury, but director Jerry Colangelo didn't rule out the possibility of a swan song for Bryant.
Related: An early projection of Team USA's 12-man Olympic roster
Bryant, however, wasn't looking for a handout. He left the door open for his third straight appearance in the Olympics, but he wanted to earn the spot.
Based on his lackluster performance in his 20th and final season, the five-time champion clearly hasn't earned the distinction. Bryant's averaging 17 points per game while shooting an abysmal 34.8 percent from the floor.
If "The Black Mamba" passes up the opportunity, he'll end his run in the Olympics averaging 13.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 16 games for his country.
He captured gold each time he suited up, and most memorably, Bryant poured in his finest performance in the final round in 2008, when he had 20 points and six assists - including several key baskets in the clutch - to power the Americans over a Spanish side at the height of its powers.
Bryant joked last winter he'll still be in Rio to watch his good buddy Pau Gasol "win another silver."