BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 8: Earvin Magic Johnson #15 of the United States passes the ball to Patrick Ewing #6 in the 1992 Olympic game against Croatia on August 8, 1992 in Barcelona, Spain. The “Dream Team” defeated Croatia 117-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agress that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, ESP – JULY 26: (L-R) Larry Bird, Earvin (Magic) Johnson, Michael Jordan and Karl Malone of the USA Olympic Basketball Team (The Dream Team) walk on the court during a game against The Republic of Angola Olympic Team on July 26,1992 in Barcelona, Spain. The USA won 116-48. (Photo by Mike Powell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Larry Bird;Earvin Johnson;Michael Jordan;Karl Malone
1992: TEAM USA AWAITS THEIR NEXT MATCH DURING THE 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES IN BARCELONA. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell/ALLSPORT
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the US Men’s Senior National Team looks to score against Brazil in the third quarter during a pre-Olympic exhibition basketball game at the Verizon Center on July 16, 2012 in Washington, DC. the US Senior Men’s National Team won, 80-69. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: Kevin Durant #5 of the US Men’s Senior National Team dunks over Brazil defenders in the third quarter during a pre-Olympic exhibition basketball game at the Verizon Center on July 16, 2012 in Washington, DC. the US Senior Men’s National Team won, 80-69. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: LeBron James #6 of the US Men’s Senior National Team huddles up with teammates after defeating Brazil during a pre-Olympic exhibition basketball game at the Verizon Center on July 16, 2012 in Washington, DC. The US Senior Men’s National Team won, 80-69. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 16: LeBron James #6 of the US Men’s Senior National Team lays up a shot against Brazil in the third quarter during a pre-Olympic exhibition basketball game at the Verizon Center on July 16, 2012 in Washington, DC. The US Senior Men’s National Team won, 80-69. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Add President Barack Obama to the list of people who disagree with Kobe Bryant’s boast that this year’s USA Olympic basketball team could beat the Dream Team of 1992.
“This is a generational thing,” Obama said during a halftime interview with ESPN2 as it broadcast an exhibition game Monday night with Brazil at Washington’s Verizon Center. “I was around in ’92, I was a Bulls fan, so I’ve got to go with the original Dream Team.”
Bryant said recently that this team — deep and athletic with the likes of Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant — would even beat the 1992 lineup. Its members included Hall of Fame players Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Scottie Pippen and Chris Mullin.
“I suspect that Michael and ‘Sir Charles’ and others would point out they were probably never down at any point in any of their games,” Obama said. “But this is a great team, unbelievable talent.”
The president added: “You know, Kobe’s a competitor, so you expect him to do a little trash talking whenever the opportunity arises.”
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
