Speculations abound that Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant was considering to play for Team USA in the Rio Olympics next year and possibly end his career winning a gold medal for flag and country one last time.

Although Bryant was not part of the 34-man pool that attended the USA Basketball minicamp from Tuesday to Thursday this week, team director Jerry Colangelo was reportedly open to the idea of the five-time NBA champion playing for Team USA in Rio even if he did not participate in the training, as per the Washington Post.

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"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.

However, the USAB boss immediately noted that Kobe would not be a lock to make the 12-man final roster even if he wants to because of a lot of tough competition.

Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops suggested 10 players that are almost sure to become a part of the final lineup, namely: LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Dwight Howard, DeMarcus Cousins, Chris Paul, and Kyrie Irving.

Of course, not considering any injuries and other hindering factors, the above ten was said to be a "lock" by Sheridan.

This means that there will be two remaining spots up for grabs for the rest of the 24 players, or 25 if you count Bryant in.

The obvious need of the above 10-man lineup is a natural shooting guard, and Kobe seems to be the perfect pick for it. However, it should be noted that last season's MVP runner-up James Harden was not included in Sheridan's forecast, who is more likely going to be Colangelo and head coach Mike Krzyzewski's choice for a two guard.

Bryant, who turns 38 this August and coming off three injury-plagued seasons where he played only 41 games combined, is allegedly entering his final season in the league. He was also rumored of being interested in playing overseas after his NBA career.

SB Nation said that the "finish line" of Bryant's career is fast approaching. And winning another gold medal to cap things off may actually be "a great story" to tell future basketballers, as Colangelo coined it.

TagsNBA 2015, NBA news, NBA News 2015, NBA rumors, NBA Rumors 2015, Team USA