Kobe Bryant decides against Olympics farewell in Rio
By Mike Patterson
Last Updated: 17/01/16 4:03pm
Kobe Bryant has decided not to make his competitive farewell to basketball at this year's Olympic Games in Rio.
The 37-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star said in December that another Olympic appearance would be a "beautiful" ending to his career after helping the United States win a gold medal in 2008 and 2012.
However, the five-time NBA champion has now changed his mind and intends to bow out in Lakers colours, meaning his final appearance is likely to be on April 13 when the Lakers host the Utah Jazz at the Staples Center.
"I think it's the young guys' turn to play and perform," said Bryant who is in his 20th season as an NBA player.
"I've been fortunate enough to win two gold medals so I've had my moment. I'll watch from afar, I'll support from afar and if they want me to come down and speak to the guys, I will, but that's about it.
"As beautiful as it would be to play for our country, when I say my last game is going to be my last game, then that's it. I'm not going to like to walk off the stage, but I think it's pretty sweet to have my final game be in a Laker uniform."
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls have announced that centre Joakim Noah will undergo surgery to repair a dislocated left shoulder and miss the next four to six months.
Noah suffered the injury during Friday's 83-77 defeat to Dallas when he became entangled with Mavericks center JaVale McGee.
