Los Angeles Lakers veteran Kobe Bryant has told USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo that he wants to earn his spot on the Olympics roster.

Bryant is expected to end his 20-year career in the NBA after next season, but has suggested that he would like to play next summer.

"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," Colangelo told reporters.

"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.'"

Bryant turns 37 at the end of this month, and will see his contract with the Lakers expire at the end of next season.