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Kobe will not play in 2016 Rio Olympics

(Xinhua) Updated: 2016-01-17 11:28

Kobe will not play in 2016 Rio Olympics

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center, Los Angeles, on Dec 23, 2015.  [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - Kobe Bryant announced Saturday that he is not going to play at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics this summer.

"I've had my moment," Kobe said in a pregame news conference in Salt Lake City before the Lakers' game against the Utah Jazz.

He has told the decision to the USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo and Olympic coach Mike Krzyzewski, saying it's time for others to enjoy the Olympic journey. "I already let Jerry and Coach K know that I physically can't do it," Kobe said.

Kobe was on five different USA Basketball national teams over his career, with a combining 36-0 record in international competition. He won gold at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics.

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