This year's NBA MVP Kobe Bryant will help lead the 12-member U.S. Olympic basketball team that was announced Monday.

Joining Bryant on the Beijing-bound squad was 2000 Olympic gold medalist Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks), Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz), Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors), Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets), Tayshaun Prince (Detroit Pistons) Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks), Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) and Deron Williams (Utah Jazz).

"I'm excited about the players who comprise this team. The selections were very difficult and something we've been working toward since we initially got the Senior National Team together in the 2006 summer. Unfortunately, we are limited to a roster of 12 players and we had incredible commitment for the 33 players in our Senior Team program," said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who will coach the Olympic team in Beijing.

"Our team has excellent athleticism and great versatility. We have players who are experienced in the international game thanks to the last two summers' training and competitions. I feel really good where we are, we have the foundation in but we have a lot work ahead," Krzyzewski said.

Kidd will be the veteran of the Olympic squad. The 35-year-old was a member of the 2000 gold-medal winning U.S. team.

Other previous Olympians include Anthony, Boozer, James and Wade, who were all a part of the third-placed team at the 2004 Athens Games.