Rockets forward Luis Scola says he wants to play for Argentina in next summer's FIBA Americas championship even if there is a lockout in the NBA.

Scola sees the competition as a great way to stay in shape and would get insurance and play -- a risk many players might not take if the NBA is closed for business by a work stoppage.

Argentina is hosting the tournament, a qualifier for the 2012 Olympics.

Clippers rookie forward Blake Griffin says he wants to play for Team USA at the 2012 Olympics in London.

According to Chris Tomasson of FanHouse, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo says Griffin is on the "watch list."

LeBron James said on Thursday that he would "love to be a part" of Team USA's 2012 Olympic team.

"I would love to be a part of that team," James said. "I think it's an unbelievable thing to represent your country. If Coach [Mike Krzyzewski] needs me to be a part of that team, I'm available. Hopefully, I'm healthy enough to be a part of that team. But I'm always up for the Olympics and representing my country.

"Coach K has my number, I have his number. If he needs me, I'm there."

Kobe Bryant has told United States basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski that he'll play in the 2012 Olympics in London if the program wants him there.

Bryant was a guest on Krzyzewski's SIRIUS XM radio show Tuesday when the Duke coach asked the Lakers' star about London.

"You guys want me there, I am there and I'm ready to defend," Bryant said. "And then when you guys need me to put some points on the board, I'll do that, too."

Bryant said after the Lakers beat the Grizzlies on Tuesday night that it's a huge honor to be part of the Olympics.

"You get a chance to see and meet the greatest athletes in the world," he said.

"Aside from just the basketball part of it and being with a great group of guys, it's an opportunity to meet some of the best at what they do. It's great for me, I get a chance to talk to them and meet them and go to their events and watch new sports. It's just a blast."