USA - Knee surgery for Bryant

LOS ANGELES (NBA) - Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is expected to be fit for the start of the NBA season after undergoing knee surgery.

An Olympic gold winner with Team USA, Bryant earned NBA finals MVP status for the second time this past season as he led the Lakers to glory once again.

That was despite having to have his knee drained regularly throughout the finals, an injury that has prevented him from playing for Team USA at the FIBA World Championship this summer.

The Lakers had remained tight-lipped about his status this summer but then announced on Friday that he had undergone surgery, with giving details about the timetable.

“In response to recent media inquiries, it has been announced today that Kobe Bryant recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee,” said a team statement.

“The successful surgery was performed last week. Bryant is currently undergoing rehab and is expected to be fully recovered prior to the start of the Lakers’ training camp on September 25.”

The problem is on the same knee that also kept him out of the 2006 FIBA World Championship.

Speaking at a training camp two weeks ago, Bryant thanked USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo for the way he had handled the matter.

"Having the summer off from USA Basketball, Mr. Colangelo was very understanding about my situation and I greatly appreciate that, that gives me more time to make sure I'm completely ready to go [next season]," Bryant said.

FIBA