BRYANT FRACTURES LEFT WRIST.

Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer

Kobe Bryant, the newest co-star in the Lakers' rebuilding process, will miss part of training camp after fracturing his left wrist in a pickup game on Monday.

Bryant, the 18-year-old high school phenom whom the Lakers acquired by trading Vlade Divac to Charlotte, will be out at least six weeks after having the wrist checked at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic on Tuesday.

Bryant, who has moved to Los Angeles with his family, called Lakers officials Tuesday morning to inform them of the injury and was at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic by the afternoon. Bryant told Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak he fractured the wrist trying to brace for a fall after being undercut.

Expected to play shooting guard as a rookie, Bryant's ability to acclimate to the NBA game might be slowed by the injury. Training camp begins Oct. 4 in Honolulu, meaning Bryant won't be fully healed until at least two weeks into camp.

``He won't be able to start out full bore,'' Kupchak said. ``We hope to a degree he can participate.''

Even though Shaquille O'Neal is the featured attraction of camp, much attention will be paid to Bryant's development. Depending on his progress, Bryant could play minimal minutes or make a major contribution next season.

``He's pretty upbeat,'' Kupchak said. ``We told him to listen to the doctors. We're talking about a 15-year career.''

Bryant should be ready for the season opener, but probably at a more reduced level than if he hadn't been injured. With O'Neal joining Cedric Ceballos, Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell as the starters, Bryant won't be depended on to make a remarkable recovery.

In fact, the Lakers will probably seek another free agent guard to fill Bryant's spot at camp.

``It's certain that we won't rush him,'' Kupchak said. ``Kobe has to be careful but he's not going to improve if he doesn't play basketball. We're just pleased that it's not more serious.''

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