Kobe on 2016 Olympics: 'I don't want a spot. I need to earn the spot'

Having won repeatedly at every level, Kobe Bryant is not looking for any handouts - including a free ride to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics.

The veteran guard still has a chance to suit up for USA Basketball next summer despite missing out on the mandatory minicamp.

Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo expanded on his conversations with Bryant to Dave McMenamin of ESPN on Thursday:

I was quoted on Kobe. In response to a question about him, I said it would be a great story if he did (play in Rio).

And so, he also mentioned to me in a private conversation that if he had his druthers, he would love to ride off into the sunset playing one more time and winning the gold medal. And that would be the end.

But he was very quick to say, "But, I don't want a spot. I need to earn the spot. I need to be capable of playing at that level to be considered." And I said, "You got that. That's always there for you, Kobe."

Bryant, who helped Team USA take home gold in 2008 and 2012, could use the rest. The 17-time All-Star is rehabbing a torn rotator cuff ahead of his 20th season.

If next season is to be his last, Bryant makes a good point: capturing gold would make for a storybook ending to his legendary career. The narrative of Bryant going out on top - something the five-time champion knows all too well - practically writes itself.

At the very least, it would make for a better finish than just another disappointing campaign for the Los Angeles Lakers.

But Bryant wants to earn the honor, rather than be handed something based on his legacy, and on that basis, the "Black Mamba" may struggle to grab one of a dozen openings.

As usual, Team USA is stacked with talent, and despite Bryant's undeniable skill and guile, his body has already started betraying him. It's probably unrealistic to expect Bryant to play at an elite level after logging over 50,000 minutes in his NBA career.