By 2016, Kobe Bryant will be 38 years old, an age that many basketball players have already  hung their shoes and gave up competitive basketball games. However, for Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, Black Mamba still got it and the two-time Finals MVP can still play in the Olympics in 2016.

At the press conference before their win versus the Los Angeles Lakers yesterday, Thibodeau, who also assumes the role of US Nat'l Basketball Team coach, said that he is trying to convince the Black Mamba to play for the team in 2016.

In a tweet by Lakers Nation's Serena Winters, the 2011 Coach of the Year's desire to have Kobe Bryant twas revealed.

Serena Winters @SerenaWinters

A few interesting things from Tom Thibodeau's pre-game presser, incl. him saying he may try to convince Kobe to play on Team USA '16.

7:46 AM - 21 Jan 2014

However, Bryant seems to be not interested with the offer and declined it.

Serena Winters @SerenaWinters

Kobe has no intention of playing in 2016 Olympics, said he would "spectate," watch "Pau win another silver."

8:35 AM - 21 Jan 2014

On the same pre-game interview, Bryant spoke about Thibodeau's plans. Here's his take:

Serena Winters @SerenaWinters

Kobe on Thibodeau convincing him to play '16 Olym.: "He can try all he wants. I love Tibs. That convers. w/ him would be more than welcome."

On NBA barring players to get drafted straight from high school

Aside from ruling himself out of the Olympics, Bryant also spoke against the rule that prevents high school graduates from directly joining the NBA. Bryant came to the NBA straight from Lower Merion High School at the age of 17.

According to Mike Bresnahan  of the Los Angeles Times, Bryant believes that the "system really isn't teaching players anything when you go to college,"