Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, Roger Federer, Neymar, Jessica Ennis-Hill... the roll call of superstars who have declared their intention to light up the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is already impressive. To that list can now be added some of the greatest basketball players on the planet, who spoke out following the end of USA team’s Rio-focused mini-camp last week.

While the likes of Lebron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and James Harden were already expected to shine on the court at Carioca Arena 1 in Barra Olympic Park next year, a new, mouth-watering name came to the fore at the end of the training camp in Las Vegas, which was attended by 34 players. Kobe Bryant had previously said he would not play at Rio 2016, but USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo revealed that he has spoken with the 36-year-old superstar about a possible golden farewell in Brazil.

“He (Bryant) mentioned to me in a private conversation that if he had his druthers (preference), he would love to ride off into the sunset playing one more time and winning the gold medal,” said Colangelo. “And that would be the end. But he was very quick to say, ‘But, I don’t want a spot. I need to earn the spot. I need to be capable of playing at that level to be considered.’ And I said, ‘You got that. That’s always there for you, Kobe.’”

If Bryant does compete for a third consecutive gold medal in Rio, he could be part of a time that rivals the USA’s 1992 Olympic ‘Dream Team’ for star power. The 12-man roster is likely to feature stars such as Durant, Curry and Harden alongside Olympic veterans James and Carmelo Anthony. The latter two won gold at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games, as well as bronze at Athens 2004, and could become the first US players to compete in four editions of the Games.

Lebron James could be one of the biggest stars of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Photo: Rio 2016/Ethan Miller)

James was careful not to presume he would make the team, but admitted his excitement at the prospect of playing in Rio. “This is the start of the process for all of us. There are 34 guys here, trying to compete and trying to be a part of that team for next year,” he said. “Rio is a different venue. We know that they love football there, and for us as basketball players hopefully whatever the team that goes over to represent the USA can bring some excitement to that country.”

Curry helped the USA to world championship gold in 2010 and 2014, and now wants to add Olympic experience to his CV. “I’ve been fortunate enough to be on two gold medal-winning teams but never played on an Olympic team, so that’s something I want to be able to experience and this is part of the process,” he said.

After the minicamp was brought to a close with a friendly between two USA teams in front of 18,000 fans in Las Vegas, Colangelo said the 12-man roster would be decided soon after next year's NBA draft. “Next year, we will select our team after the NBA season is over and the play-offs are over and the draft, and in the last few days of June in New York have a big media blitz and announce the 12 players who will be showing up in camp two weeks later.”

The USA were the first team to qualify for Rio 2016 by winning last year’s world title. Australia have since joined them and host nation Brazil on the confirmed list, with the remaining nine teams to be decided at this year’s continental championships and the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Follow the race to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games here.