There's no question the last few seasons have been rough on the ultracompetitive Kobe Bryant, with each of his last three ending in season-ending injuries. And with the Los Angeles Lakers having to settle for collecting young talent instead of building a team that could content in the murderous Western Conference, an NBA championship at this stage of Bryant's career appears to be out of the question. A different kind of championship could still be available, though.

As reported by Dave McMenamin of ESPN, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said at the conclusion of Team USA's minicamp, that he's had a conversation with the two-time gold medal winner about possibly taking a shot at a third one before his career ends.

"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 the Olympics in Brazil]," Colangelo said.

"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."

As noted by McMenamin, USA Basketball hosted a pool of 30-plus players in Las Vegas this past week in a mandatory gathering for those looking to participate in the Olympic Games in Rio next summer. And despite not being able to attend, Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski left the door open for both Bryant and Derrick Rose to make the next Olympic team.

"There's a guy who's made great contributions to the game, again, one of the great players of all time," Colangelo said about Bryant. "He helped us win the gold medal in Beijing. Trust me, he really did. And so he's entitled to an opportunity."