Kobe Bryant was announced on Monday as one of the 20 finalists for the 2012 U.S. Olympic men's basketball team that will compete in London in late July through early August.

"I'm looking forward to it," Bryant said after the Lakers' 73-70 win over the Dallas Mavericks Monday night. "I'm definitely going to be there because I sure as hell am not going to let that guy win it."

Bryant was referring to teammate Pau Gasolwho has already committed to the Spanish national team, which Bryant and the rest of USA Basketball beat in the gold medal game at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.