Kobe Bryant is not expected to attend the ongoing USA Basketball minicamp in Las Vegas, but the Los Angeles Lakers superstar could still get a spot on the team for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

USA Basketball executive director Jerry Colangelo told Sheridan Hoops after the first day of the camp on Tuesday Bryant could still become a member of the 2016 Olympic squad, who will defend the title in Brazil.

Bryant, who will turn 37 on Aug. 23, recently admitted the 2015-16 NBA season could be his farewell year in the league. For Colangelo, playing for Team USA will be a perfect way to end Bryant's historic basketball career.

"If he had a great year, it would be a great story for him to try to close out his career by winning a gold medal," Colangelo said of Bryant.

Bryant helped Team USA win the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics. He also led the team to a title during the 2007 FIBA Americas.

But while Bryant could still become a member of the USA squad for the Rio Summer Games next year, Colangelo clarified the 19-year veteran should still compete for a roster spot.

"The thing is, he's going to have a lot of competition," said Colangelo, who invited 34 for the minicamp, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

James a Shoo-In for 2016 Olympic Team

Unlike Bryant, James has an automatic spot on the final roster for the 2016 Rio Olympics, and Colangelo said it is up to the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar to decide.

James is scheduled to fly to Las Vegas to attend the gathering, but he is not expected to participate in drills. Colangelo said, though, the four-time Most Valuable Player is a shoe-in for the final roster.

"He won't be participating in any practices to the best of my knowledge, but he knows he has a spot," Colangelo said of James via ESPN. "If he wants to perform -- and I believe deep down inside he does -- then I would expect that he will be playing for us next summer."

James, who was a member of the team that won the gold in Beijing and London Summer Games, will make his decision on whether to go for a third Olympic gold medal or not after the 2015-16 NBA season.

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