Bryant, James headline U.S. Olympic team

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, and Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James highlighted a group of 12 NBA players named to the U.S. Olympic basketball team on Monday.

The squad, which will be attempting to win a gold medal for the first time since 1996, also includes a trio of point guards, veteran Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks, along with New Orleans' Chris Paul and Utah's Deron Williams.

Rounding out the backcourt is Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and sharpshooter Michael Redd of the Milwaukee Bucks.

The frontcourt features Denver's Carmelo Anthony, Utah's Carlos Boozer, Toronto's Chris Bosh and Detroit defensive specialist Tayshaun Prince at forward, while the lone center selected was Orlando Magic All-Star Dwight Howard.