Bryant Selection Is on Hold

USA Basketball on Thursday announced its core players -- Tracy McGrady, Tim Duncan, Jason Kidd and Ray Allen -- for the 2004 U.S. Olympic team, a group that lacked Kobe Bryant because of a paperwork delay.

A Laker spokesman said Bryant intends to return the requisite forms and participate in this summer’s Olympic qualifier at Puerto Rico, as Bryant announced last month. USA Basketball officials had hoped to introduce a full five, but they could not include Bryant without a completed player contract.

“USA Basketball remains hopeful that he will be added to the roster at a future date,” the organization said in a statement.

Bryant, of course, is a critical component on a team that will attempt to retake the reputation of U.S. and NBA basketball in the international theater. The team finished sixth at the World Championships in Indianapolis in September.

Philadelphia 76er Coach Larry Brown has agreed to coach the qualifier and in the Olympic Games. Beyond McGrady, Duncan, Kidd, Allen and, presumably, Bryant, the team is expected to include four or five more NBA players and an additional two or three players chosen from the college ranks. Laker center Shaquille O’Neal has said he has no interest.

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The Sacramento Bee on Thursday apologized for a story that suggested Bryant was hung over -- and not ill from food poisoning -- during Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the Kings.... O’Neal’s sore left knee was examined Thursday by a team physician. He will continue to receive treatment for tendinitis.... O’Neal has taken to calling Bryant “The Little Historic.” Why? “Because he’s little and he’s making history,” he said.

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TONIGHT

vs. San Antonio, 7:30

Fox Sports Net, ESPN

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KLAC (570), KWKW (1330), KIRN (670).

Records -- Lakers 26-23, Spurs 34-16.

Record vs. Spurs -- 0-2.

Update -- The Spurs have won six in a row and are gaining on the Dallas Mavericks in the Midwest Division. They beat the Lakers on opening night, 87-82, when Kobe Bryant missed 20 of 29 shots, and again at San Antonio, 95-88, three weeks later. David Robinson has a sore lower back, hip and knee. He left the team in Portland and is receiving treatment in San Antonio. Malik Rose or Kevin Willis will start at center. Bruce Bowen draws the assignment of defending Bryant. Guard Speedy Claxton, who injured his shoulder in the third game of the season and had surgery, could return tonight.