Kobe Bryant decided to put off surgery on his injured hand in order to play for the United States at the Olympics in Beijing later this summer, according to The Orange County Register.

Doctors confirmed that surgery is absolutely necessary.

Bryant will have the procedure after the Olympics, which might put his participation in the Lakers' training camp prior to the 2008-09 season in jeopardy.

"There never was any doubt about Kobe being involved, God-willing," said Jerry Colangelo, the managing director of the USA Men?s Senior Basketball Team.