(AP) - NBA scoring champion Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers headlines the list of 17 players expected to report for the U-S national team minicamp this weekend in Las Vegas.

The three-day camp will be used to select the finalists for next month's FIBA (FEE'-buh) Americas tournament. It's a regional qualifier for the 2008 Olympics. The roster must be trimmed to 12 players before the tournament starts on August 22nd.

Bryant had knee surgery last summer and was unable to play in the world championships, where the Americans finished third. LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, Shane Battier (BAT'-ee-ay) and Kirk Hinrich (HYN'-rihk) are the only players from that team scheduled to take part this weekend.

They will be joined by Chauncey Billups, Amare Stoudemire (uh-MAHR'-ay STOW'-duh-my-ur) and Michael Redd. All three were members of the program last summer, but, like Bryant, were unable to participate. Kevin Durant, Jason Kidd, Mike Miller, Tyson Chandler, Tayshaun Prince, J.J. Redick and Deron Williams will also be on hand this weekend.

Dwyane (dwayn) Wade and Greg Oden are among the players who can't play because of injuries or illness.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)