Kobe Bryant almost played under Coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, tried to lure him to the Lakers in 2004, and won two Olympic golds under him in Beijing and London. But it seems USA Basketball rehiring Coach K still won’t be enough for Kobe to sign up for another Olympics cycle.
“No, that’s not going to happen,” Bryant told ESPNLA Monday. “I don’t see that happening.”
That’s not really a surprise, especially now that Kobe has been hampered with an Achilles injury that might knock him out for part of next season, and because Kobe will turn 38 years old right after the Rio Olympic tournament in 2016.
But given Kobe’s competitive drive, it’s surprising to hear him count out the Olympics this early in the cycle. Of course, he may not even be in the NBA in three years, as he continues to consider retirement.
“To be honest with you, man,” Kobe added. “I love the game, but there’s something about lying in the bed or sitting on the couch and watching a kid’s movie that’s just much more enjoyable.”
By that time Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwyane Wade will all be in their thirties, and might leave the Olympics to the next generation: namely Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, and Russell Westbrook.
