NEW YORK -- Toronto Raptors star Vince Carter will replace Kobe Bryant on this summer's U.S. Olympic qualifying team, sources said yesterday. Bryant officially withdrew from the team Thursday because of shoulder and knee surgery, although it had been known for almost a month that he would not participate. Bryant still plans to play at the 2004 Olympics if the Americans qualify.

The USA Basketball selection committee settled on Carter as Bryant's replacement, said the two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Carter will play in the Tournament of the Americas qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico from Aug. 20-31. Three Olympic spots are open to teams from the FIBA-Americas region.