Final roster for Team USA announced, Lakers’ Bryant makes the cut

Kobe Bryant, the Lakers point guard, made the final cut for Team USA, the senior basketball squad that will compete with international teams in the FIBA Championship to earn its spot in the 2008 Olympics during August next year. Bryant was one of twelve who were selected from a group of 14 NBA players all vying to be part of the competing team, according to an article from the Milwaukee news source Todaytmj4.com. Chauncey Billups of the Detroit Pistons, LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Jason Kidd of the New Jersey Nets were also selected in the final cut. “It sounds trite to say it was a tough decision but in all reality it was that and more because all 14 were deserving of being on this roster and unfortunately we didn’t have that luxury, we had to go down to 12,” said USA Senior National Team managing director Jerry Colangelo. “The two that were not selected were really not selected to be with us the next couple of weeks and that’s the extent of it because they’re a part of our team and our team effort.” Kevin Durant and Nick Collison did not make the team.

Team USA is scheduled to play a series of games, starting with a match-up against Australia, from Aug. 22 through Sept. 2. Other teams the U.S. will play include Brazil, Spain, Argentina and New Zealand. Bryant, who said he couldn’t be more excited about the international play, will be thrown back into the NBA’s official season shortly after the FIBA Championships are through. NBA starts play at the end of October. For Lakers’ tickets, visit Stubhub.com.

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