Blake Griffin withdraws from US national team

LOS ANGELES -- Blake Griffin has withdrawn from playing for the U.S. national basketball team this summer.

The Los Angeles Clippers star was one of 19 players selected to the roster from which the World Cup team will be chosen.

Griffin said Thursday that he wants to dedicate all his energy on improving and preparing for the upcoming NBA season.

Griffin joins Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook in not participating. Westbrook dropped out to rest previous knee injuries.

The Americans begin training camp Monday in Las Vegas, a month before the World Cup of Basketball opens in Spain.