Sport
L.A. Lakers star Kobe Bryant ‘out indefinitely’ due to sprained ankle
An injured Kobe Bryant. PHOTO/Curtis Compton/AP
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant severely sprained his left ankle Wednesday night after missing a game-leveling shot in the closing seconds of a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Lakers spokesman John Black said Bryant is out indefinitely, just as a team that underachieved much of the season is playing its best basketball. The 96-92 loss ended a four-game winning streak and was just Los Angeles’ third loss in the last 12 games.
The injury occurred with the Lakers trailing by two, after Bryant put up a baseline jumper that slid off the rim with 3 seconds remaining. As he came down, his left foot landed on defender Dahntay Jones’ right foot, twisting awkwardly as Bryant crumpled to the court.
No foul was called.
Bryant remained down for a few seconds then hobbled to the bench accompanied by the trainer. The 34-year-old Bryant seemed perturbed that he couldn’t stay in the game, but he had to sit since the Lakers were out of timeouts.
Kyle Korver hit two free throws to clinch Atlanta’s win.
Bryant could miss significant time. He said it’s the worst sprain he’s had in his 16-year career, and blamed Jones for sliding underneath him after he went up for the shot.
