Welp, it looks like Kobe Bryant's Olympic farewell tour happened in 2012.

In November, Kobe Bryant said "It would mean the world to me" if he had another opportunity to play in the RIO Olympics. Now that dream is no more. Bryant made the heartbreaking announcement before the Lakers tipped off against the Utah Jazz January 16, 2016. Bryant says it's time for the younger stars to begin their Olympic journeys.

Since my retirement announcement, I’m able to watch these guys in a different light. I’ve come to terms with the fact that they are the future of this game. These are the guys who deserve the spots in Rio. These are the guys who people need to watch and root for. These are the guys to show fans where this game is going in the future.

Bryant is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, winning in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. It's the end of an era, as Bryant's professional basketball career will end with his 20th and final season with the Lakers. Bryant wants to leave his basketball legacy as it began, a Laker. He will still support Team USA, but from "afar."

Kobe's last game is scheduled for April 13, 2016, a home game against the Utah Jazz.