When Was Kobe Bryant’s Last Appearance for Team USA?

The United States of America has historically been very dominant in the sport of basketball. Naturally, they have dominated International competitions like the FIBA World Cup for quite some time now. However, their biggest resurgence came in 1992 when professional NBA players were allowed into Team USA for the Barcelona Olympics held that year. Thanks to his policy change, iconic names like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and others have represented their country.

Bryant has a pretty stacked NBA trophy cabinet. Interestingly, his performances for Team USA have been very commendable, as the Lakers legend has brought laurels to almost every competition.

When did Kobe Bryant last represent the United States of America?

Everyone is aware of Bryant’s tragic passing away in 2020. The five-time NBA champion was out of basketball action for four years prior to the incident. His last representation of the United States was in 2012 when he led his country to Olympic glory. 

With a massively successful team, comprising LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and many others, the Team USA boys clinched the Gold Medal in the London Olympics of 2012.

After this, he retired from National Duty after winning the most prestigious accolade in International sports.

How did Bryant perform in his last appearance for USA?

The United States of America took on international rivals, Spain in the 2012 Olympics Gold Medal match in London. A valiant Spain took on a USA team full of superstars at North Greenwich Arena in London.

Bryant faced off against his former teammate and Los Angeles Lakers great, Pau Gasol. It was a close match and the United States of America clinched Gold Medal with a 107-100 win.

Kevin Durant led the scoring with 30 points while LeBron James had 19 points. Kobe Bryant also played a vital role as he recorded 17 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in his final game for the USA.

Bryant has an unreal record for the USA

The NBA Hall of Famer has amazing stats and has two Olympic Gold Medals to his name while representing his country. However, his most iconic feat at the international level is his amazing record.

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Bryant has a 36-0 record in his international career which started quite late in 2007. The NBA legend has represented the United States of America in three major tournaments. Moreover, he has also played 10 exhibition games. Thanks to his brilliant performances for the national team, The Mamba has gone undefeated.

Why did Kobe start so late for Team USA?

The former MVP was undoubtedly one of the best players in the league in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, his international career kick-started in 2007 because of unforeseen circumstances.

He did not play in the 2000 Olympics as he was getting married to Vanessa Bryant during that offseason. His next chance came in the 2002 FIBA World Championship, but the NBA legend declined to play.

Injuries prevented him from joining the team during the 2003 FIBA Americas Championship and the 2006 FIBA World Championship. The Mamba finally got a call-up for Team USA in 2007.

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What is your favorite Kobe Bryant performance in a United States of America jersey? Let us know below.