Kobe Bryant will still be given a chance to make the 2016 U.S. Olympic team, even though he did not attend this week's "mandatory" minicamp, NBC Sports reported.

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo made attendance at the mincamp a requirement to making the Olympic team.

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There were 34 players expected to be in camp at the Univeristy of Nevada in Las Vegas, including Kobe Bryant.

Colangelo said that winning a gold medal at the Olympics would be a great way for Bryant to close out his career.

If the Lakers fail to make the NBA playoffs this coming season, Kobe's career ends on on Apr. 13, 2016 against the Utah Jazz, according to SB Nation.

A gold medal finish in the Olympics will allow Bryant to exit as a winner.

Nonetheless, Bryant will be leaving five NBA championships under his belt and two Finals MVPs, on top of  11 All-NBA first-team appearances and 17 All-Star appearances.

He also surpassed the great Michael Jordan to get third place in the NBA's all-time scoring list.

Colangelo did not guarantee Bryant a slot but said that if he competes at a high level in the 2015-16 season, he would have a crack at making the team.

The 36-year-old Bryant, who won gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, said he wouldn't compete in 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games because of his advancing age.

Observers also say its unlikely that Bryant will be good enough to deserve a spot, not having competed at a high level in the last two seasons. It could be a tall order at age 37.

In fact, Bryant could not even hold on to the starting guard spots with the Lakers and has been dislodged by young talents D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson. Bryant will be forced to mostly play out of position as a forward on his final year. 

TagsLos Angeles Lakers, U.S. Olympic team, USA Basketball, Jerry Colangelo