Not only did the Lakers lose to the Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday night, but they may be without the services of Kobe Bryant for a while too. Bryant severely sprained his left ankle in the final minute of the match-up.
Mamba landed on Dahntay Jones’ foot after missing a shot in the final seconds of the 96-92 loss. Bryant left the game after the Lakers committed a foul. He did not return. X-rays were negative.
The Black Mamba said it was the worst sprain he’s experienced since the 2000 finals. He said he “Jalen Rose’d me.” He also said he can’t believe he has to wait a year to get revenge. Kobe posted his thoughts about the play on Twitter:
#dangerousplay that should have been called. Period.
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 14, 2013
Dahntay then added his thoughts
Tape doesn’t lie. Ankle was turned on the floor after the leg kick out that knocked him off balance. I would never try to hurt the man
— Dahntay (@dahntay1) March 14, 2013
Leg kick that makes contact with a defensive player is an offense foul. Period. The nba changed that rule 2 yrs ago. Stop it!
— Dahntay (@dahntay1) March 14, 2013
Fortunately for the Lakers, the Jazz was blown out by the Thunder tonight so the Lakers will maintain their eighth seed. But clearly, the thought of being without Kobe for any period of time is scary. Time for Dwight to embrace his villian and take over the team until Kobe returns.
video via Slam
photo via LA Times
