Lakers shooting guard and the NBA’s leading scorer last season, Kobe Bryant, had minor surgery on this right knee on Saturday and is expected to miss the World Championships later this summer.  The normal recovery time for the surgery performed on Bryant is usually 8-to-12 weeks. 

While Kobe will not be able to play on the World Championship United States squad, he will still travel with the team to China and South Korea for exhibition games and to Japan where the tournament is taking place.  This is an excellent public relations move for Bryant, still showing his support of his U.S. teammates and the country itself. 

Of course, he just might conveniently be skipping out on “daddy duty” with his young baby girl, whom I doubt will travel with Bryant.  And, of course, he’ll also get out of “hubby duty” and be able to hang with the fellas.  Naturally, this is pure speculation on my part, but it’s easy to be cynical of Bryant ever since his shenanigans in Colorado.

Don’t get me wrong, I hope Bryant is sincere in everything he does and he’s shown no inkling otherwise.  But, in order for Bryant to get back in my heart (and McDonalds-loving belly), he’ll have to be on top behavior for as long as he plays.  Unfair or not, this surgery will see Bryant NOT playing for some time.

However, Lakers fans and fantasy basketball fans, have no worries - Bryant should be ready by the time the regular season comes around.  Barring any setbacks, of course… like, say, someone that just wants to “love Kobe long time” getting very wild.