Kobe Bryant -- I'm No Dennis Rodman ... I'd Never Go to North Korea

Guess Kim Jong Un just isn't a Lakers fan ... 'cause Kobe Bryant claims he was NEVER approached by the North Korean dictator to come visit ... a la Dennis Rodman.

Bryant appeared on Jimmy Kimmel last night and talked about the missile crisis ... saying, "You know it’s a crazy world ... I mean, our President is a Chicago Bulls fan. Dennis obviously has great history with that and North Korea."

He added, "I mean, I think we are all just as shocked as everybody is here about that ... but it’s a weird world."

When asked if KJU ever reached out to him, Kobe replied, "No, I haven't heard anything yet."

And then came the zinger ... when Jimmy asked if Kobe would consider heading over to N. Korea if called upon.

Kobe: "Yeah, I would probably pass, I’d probably pass."
Jimmy: "Oh, for once you are passing!?"