For any normal human being, playing on a sprained and seriously swollen ankle in a regular season game would be out of the question. But, when Kobe Bryant is the subject of discussion anything is possible. According to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell, Kobe Bryant, although doubtful and a game-time decision, has not been completely ruled out of tonight’s game against the Indiana Pacers.
Bryant is being called a game-time decision, holding out for the very slim chance he’ll play, but it’s doubtful.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 15, 2013
Crazier things have happened, but with the size of Kobe’s ankle it seems far from likely. Bryant wasn’t the only one with an ankle injury in the Lakers loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Earl Clark left the game early with a right ankle sprain, but ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that Clark will play tonight.
His right ankle is still sore, but he will play vs IND RT @fulton14mike Any update on Earl Clark? Sorry if I missed it…
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 15, 2013
The Lakers will need Earl Clark tonight who was limited to just four points in the Lakers 96-92 loss to the Hawks. Probably most surprising might be the update on Pau Gasol. After thoughts that Gasol could possibly return in either Sunday or Monday’s match-up, Dave McMenamin was surprised when he elicited this response from the Spaniard.
I asked Pau after shootaround if he was playing Sunday or Monday. He shrugged and said, “Or Friday.” Maybe he plays tonight?
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 15, 2013
With Kobe ailing, it should would be a nice surprise to have Pau Gasol back in the lineup. Either way, the Lakers are going to have a definite challenge, playing on the road against a 40-24 Indiana squad.
*Update: Mike Trudell reporting Kobe has been warming up in Indiana.
Kobe Bryant came to the arena in Indy early, & went through a 20-odd minute workout with player devl’p coach Phil Handy…
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 15, 2013
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VIDEO: Lakers vs. Pacers Shootaround Report
