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Kobe Bryant was unable to compete on the U.S. Men's National Basketball Team in 2000 and 2004, due to scheduling conflicts and personal issues. He officially joined the national team in 2007 and played in his first Summer Games in 2008, when he helped the team bring home the gold in Beijing. Now, in what may be his last chance to do so, Bryant will be trying to capture his second gold medal and again assert U.S. dominance in international basketball.
There are rumblings that the NBA will not allow its older and more established superstars to compete in the Summer Games going forward, in favor of a new World Cup of Basketball. With this in mind, you can bet that Bryant will not accept anything less than first place in London this summer.
Bryant averaged 15 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 2008 and score 20 points in the gold medal game against Spain.
For complete coverage of the Summer Games in London, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated 2012 Olympics hub.
