USA – Bryant focuses on defensive role with American team

LAS VEGAS (Olympics) – Kobe Bryant knows that with so much firepower on the USA Olympic team, he will not be counted on to score as much as he does with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He expects to have a prominent role on defense, though.

“My role is different with this team because you don’t have to score 30-something points,” he said.

“You can really focus on the other team’s top scorer and make him have as difficult game as I possibly can.”

Bryant, who helped the USA capture gold at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, says the mood in the Americans’ Olympic training camp in Las Vegas is very upbeat.

“It’s fun because we’re all working hard,” he said.

“That’s where the enjoyment comes from, we’re communicating with one another.

“We understand that there are a lot of improvements to be made and that’s what makes the process more enjoyable, because you have something to strive for, something to work towards.”

After Wednesday’s practice, the guard was asked if the Americans’ opponents might be a little more fearful of the USA this summer since they appear to have good chemistry.

“No, I don’t,” Bryant said.

“I think they’re sitting over there and saying ‘when push comes to shove, we’re going to play more as a team than they are.’

“I don’t think what they’re reading or what they’re seeing (about this team) is going to change their minds one bit.”

FIBA