No Turkey for Kobe

Kobe Bryant will skip the World Championships later this summer in Turkey, which should make the Lakers and their fans happy. Bryant told Team USA chairman Jerry Colangelo he plans to rest rather than play. Pau Gasol earlier said he won't play for Spain, wishing to rest after winning back-to-back titles in three straight trips to the NBA Finals. Lamar Odom plans to compete for a spot on the Team USA roster. Bryant said last month he will undergo surgery to mend an injured right index finger. He also had ankle and knee injuries while leading the Lakers to their fifth championship in the 2000s. Colangelo told AOL Fanhouse that Bryant "wanted to play,'' but rest was more important to him.