Vince Carter's return to high-level basketball will come sooner than anyone expected.

The 26-year-old Raptor all-star will replace Kobe Bryant on the U.S. team that will play next month at the 2004 Olympic qualifier, sources told the Star last night.

Bryant, facing sexual assault charges, is withdrawing from the Aug. 20-31 tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, because of recent surgeries on his shoulder and knee.

Even though Carter missed nearly half of last season with two knee injuries and a seriously sprained ankle, the Raptors have no problem with him playing for his country, a source close to the team said.