Top 5 scorers for Team USA Basketball in the Olympics in the 21st Century

3. Kobe Bryant - 217 points (2008, 2012)

Kobe Bryant sent shockwaves through China in the 2008 Olympics

The Black Mamba sparked rumours with his idle speculation to play in the 2016 Olympics, but he refrained from going out that way. Perhaps it is fitting that he had his best moments as an Olympian in 2008 when the games were held in China.

If the Dream Team shocked the world with its otherworldly popularity, the revelation of Kobe Bryant in China in 2008 was no less shocking. Mamba Mania was in full force in China, where Kobe has been visiting in the offseason for promotions and clinics.

In 2008, Kobe scored 120 points and averaged 15 points per game. In 2012 he took a back seat to the youngsters and scored 97 points in total while averaging 12.1 points per contest. One could argue that his popularity rivals that of Yao Ming himself in China, if it doesn't eclipse it that is.

Kobe had a chance to play for Team USA in 2000 and in 2004. Had he done so, and remained healthy enough to play this year, he would probably have retired with 5 Olympic medals. As it is, he carries two gold medals away with him.