After losing several players already, USA Basketball lost its top scorer in Kobe Bryant on Saturday.
The team announced the Los Angeles Lakers star guard has been forced out of action for the senior men’s national team this summer after having minor surgery on his right knee Saturday.
Bryant will have limited participation at the team’s training camp, which starts Wednesday in Las Vegas, during his physical rehabilitation. He is expected to attend camp once he receives clearance from his doctor.
Bryant is set to travel on a tour to China, South Korea and possibly Japan before the championships. The 2006 FIBA World Championships begin Aug. 19 in Japan.
The eight-time NBA all-star averaged a league-best 35.4 points last season.
“Kobe being with the team will add to our team chemistry and his presence will help provide valuable leadership on and off the court,” Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball men’s senior national team managing director, said in a statement.
Bryant had arthroscopic surgery in Los Angeles for minor treatment of knee cartilage and removal of scar tissue. The 6-foot-6, 220-pounder is expected to recover in eight to 10 weeks and be ready for Lakers training camp.
“We trust that Kobe will have a total and speedy recovery, and we were pleased that he expressed a willingness to remain as involved with our team as possible through the process,” Colangelo said.
Other high-profile players not on the team include Denver native Chauncey Billups, who has a newborn, and Lamar Odom, who will not play because of the recent death of his child.
NBA players expected to be available for the training came roster include the Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony and NBA all-stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Elton Brand, Chris Bosh, Gilbert Arenas and Shawn Marion and 2006 NBA rookie of the year Chris Paul.
Since the Americans have assembled a 24-member roster loaded with NBA stars, they expect to be able to make up for the losses, which also include Paul Pierce (elbow surgery), Michael Redd (wedding), Greg Oden (wrist) and J.J. Redick (back).
Bryant’s absence as a scorer could aid Anthony’s chances of making the world championship team. The NBA’s eighth-leading scorer last season averaged a career-high 26.5 points. Anthony also played on the 2004 Athens Olympics bronze medal-winning U.S. team.
Anthony has been working out two hours a day with Nuggets strength and conditioning coach Steve Hess in preparation for USA Basketball’s training camp.
Colangelo will trim the roster to 12 players for the world championships.
“I’m ready,” Anthony said recently. “I’ve been working out for a long time. I can’t wait to get out there.”
Marc J. Spears can be reached at 303-820-5449 or mspears@denverpost.com.
