NEW YORK, 17 July 2006 — Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers had minor surgery on his right knee on Saturday and is unlikely to be available for the US team at next month’s World Basketball Championship, USA Basketball confirmed on Saturday.
Bryant is still expected to attend part of the American team’s training camp in Las Vegas and travel with the US squad to exhibitions in Asia and the world event, which will be held from Aug. 19 to Sept. 3 in Japan.
USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo issued a statement Saturday saying the recovery period Bryant faces from the surgery makes it “highly unlikely” he will be able to play in the world tournament.
“Kobe being with the team will add to our team chemistry and his presence will help provide valuable off court leadership,” Colangelo’s statement said.
The Americans open their training camp later this week and Bryant’s surgery comes as another blow to a team that has already had roster problems.
The team lost J.J. Redick (back), Paul Pierce (elbow) and Lamar Odom (family reasons) this week.
The US finished sixth at the 2002 worlds in Indianapolis and was third in the Athens Olympics two years alter, leading to the formation of a national program.
Bryant quickly joined the program and the NBA’s leading scorer was expected to be a big part of the 2006 squad.
Bryant’s surgery is not expected to effect his NBA season with the Lakers.
