Bryant will pass on surgery

By BEE NEWS SERVICES

last updated: February 15, 2008 04:37:38 AM

EL SEGUNDO -- Kobe Bryant was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right pinkie finger Thursday and the Lakers All-Star has decided not to undergo surgery that could sideline him for six weeks.

The damage occurred when Bryant dislocated the finger at New Jersey on Feb. 5, and was aggravated in Wednesday night's game at Minnesota.

The team said Thursday that the damage was more extensive than first believed. There is a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament and avulsion fracture, in which a small bone fragment had been pulled off by a tendon.

"My current thinking is to give my finger some treatment and rest for a few days, and hope I can still continue to compete at a high level after that rest," Bryant said in statement.

"I would prefer to delay any surgical procedure until after our Lakers season, and this summer's Olympic Games."

It was unclear if Bryant will play in Sunday's All-Star Game at New Orleans. But he will skip the 3-point shooting contest, with Dirk Nowitzki of Dallas replacing him.

Thursday's Games

SUNS 109, MAVERICKS 97, at Phoenix -- Steve Nash had 24 points and 13 assists and Phoenix pulled away in the final quarter to beat weary and short-handed Dallas.

The Suns improved to 3-2 since Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks were sent to Miami for Shaquille O'Neal.

O'Neal, sidelined with a hip injury, is scheduled to make his Phoenix debut next Wednesday against his old team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

BULLS 99, HEAT 92, at Chicago -- Kirk Hinrich scored 24 points to lead Chicago and send Miami to its 24th loss in 25 games.

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