US NBA stars have something to prove at Beijing (AFP)

by Jim Slater 23 minutes ago WASHINGTON (AFP) - National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Kobe Bryant, who sparked the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals, smiled when asked about his summer plans following the playoffs. Mindful of teammate Pau Gasol and his role in leading Spain to the world championship in 2006 at Japan, Bryant tossed down the challenge. "One thing that's on my list is to stop Pau from winning a gold medal," Bryant said. The American team of NBA stars will be trying to reclaim their position of global supremacy at the Beijing Olympics after a third-place showing at Athens behind defending champion Argentina and Italy. "We're on a mission," USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said. "Our guys get it. They really do understand what's at stake here." After losing only twice in Olympic... [read full story]