LAKERS: BRYANT HAS SURGERY LIKELY WON'T PLAY FOR U.S THIS SUMMER.

Byline: ROSS SILER Staff Writer

LONG BEACH -- Kobe Bryant underwent surgery on his right knee Saturday that will keep the superstar guard from playing in this summer's FIBA World Championships in Japan but shouldn't affect his availability for the Lakers' season.

Bryant had arthroscopic surgery for ``minor treatment of cartilage and removal of scar tissue,'' according to a news release. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak would not call it minor surgery but said doctors ``found no more than what they expected.''

It is expected to take eight to 12 weeks for Bryant to recover from the surgery, his second in three years. The Lakers open training camp Oct. 2, a little more than 11 weeks from Saturday. Bryant is not expected to miss any time during preseason.

Kupchak said Bryant was bothered by the knee at the end of last season and wore a protective sleeve on it. Bryant had been working out in advance of USA Basketball's summer training camp, which begins Wednesday in Las Vegas.

``I think 10 to 15 days ago, when he was working out, he continued to feel some discomfort,'' Kupchak said, ``and, at that point in time, the decision was made: `Hey, let me get this looked at right away and we'll take it from there.'''

Kupchak said the surgery took place in the Los Angeles area.

``It was something that the doctors had a great deal of comfort going into,'' Kupchak said.

Bryant was one of the first players to commit to USA Basketball's new three-year program, which will culminate with the 2008 Olympics.

He will join the U.S. team at its training camp as soon as he is cleared by doctors, a USA Basketball spokesman said, and will travel with the team to exhibitions in China and South Korea as well as to Japan for the world championships.

Bryant was envisioned as one of the leaders of the team, which was put together by Phoenix Suns chairman Jerry Colangelo and will be coached by Duke's Mike Krzyzewski.

``We trust that Kobe will have a total and speedy recovery,'' Colangelo said in a statement, ``and we were pleased that he expressed a willingness to remain as involved with our team as possible through this process.

``Kobe being with the team will add to our team chemistry, and his presence will help provide valuable off-court leadership.''

The Lakers had been aware for about a week that Bryant had been having knee problems, Kupchak said, and the decision to have surgery was made in the past six to eight days.

Bryant underwent arthroscopic surgery on the same knee in June 2003 in Vail, Colo., a trip which led to sexual assault charges being filed against him. The charges were dismissed the next year.

Even if his recovery were accelerated, Bryant likely would not be available for the world championships. USA Basketball has to submit a 12-man roster before its first game on Aug. 19 that cannot be changed during the tournament, spokesman Craig Miller said.

Lakers forward Lamar Odom also withdrew from the program, still regrouping after the death of his infant son. Paul Pierce and J.J. Redick also will not take part in training camp.

[e-mail]

[phone]