During the summer, Bryant toured Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan. While in Taipei, he was quoted as saying the U.S. basketball team will have to work on its chemistry to perform well at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Didn't happen, he says now.

"Those words never came out of my mouth," he said. "I think something must have gotten lost in translation. Obviously, they misunderstood everything I was saying."

Bryant plans on playing in the Olympics, joining the likes of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade. He credits other national teams for improved play, pointing to the world championships as a good example. The U.S. lost to Greece in the semifinals and finished with the bronze medal.

"I think they played extremely well," he said, referring to the American team. "Greece played better on that day. What can you say? It's on us to have that challenge to step up to that level."

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