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Bryant Doubtful to Play in World Championship

U.S. basketball fans were disappointed to learn that the L.A. Lakers` star player, Kobe Bryant, wouldn`t be able to play for the United States on the upcoming world championship this summer. Bryant underwent surgery on his right knee on Saturday and isn`t likely to be fit for game by the time of the tournament.

News of Bryant`s condition comes five days alone before the Americans open their training camp in Las Vegas. Bryant is the NBA`s leading scorer and his absence will be greatly felt. "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 this process," USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said in a statement.

"Kobe being with the team will add to our team chemistry and his presence will help provide valuable off court leadership." Bryant will participate in the team`s training and will travel with them to Asia. "It`s our understanding that it`s pretty minor, typical arthroscopic surgery to clean up some scar tissue," Lakers representative John Black told the Los Angeles Times. "He misses maybe the start of training camp, but as you`re aware, Kobe is probably in the best condition of anybody in the league, which shouldn`t set him back.