The ankle injury sustained by Kobe Bryant on Wednesday night could be a major problem for the Lakers moving forward. With Bryant unofficially listed as out indefinitely, it seems the Lakers might be without their leading scorer and most dynamic offensive player for the foreseeable future.
Following the game, a 96-92 loss, Bryant stated the injury was the worse he’s sustained since the 2000 NBA Finals.
Kobe on worst sprain he’s had since 2000 Finals: “I can’t get my mind past the fact that I got to wait a year to get revenge.”
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) March 14, 2013
Bryant, of course, is referring to Jalen Rose, who admitted later on that he was intentionally attempting to hurt Bryant during the Finals. Kobe stated he didn’t want to accuse Dahntay Jones of attempting to try and hurt him, but did hint at the possibility after the game.
Kobe: “Especially if I’m fading away, there’s no rhyme or reason why I should come down anywhere near somebody’s foot.”
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) March 14, 2013
Jones took to Twitter as well, saying he didn’t meant to hurt Bryant on the play.
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
Bryant also mentioned on Twitter his belief that there should have at least been a foul called on the play.
#dangerousplay that should have been called. Period.
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 14, 2013
Regardless, the Lakers aren’t going to be in very good shape if Bryant isn’t able to suit up for an extended period of time.
Bryant’s Lakers are back in action Friday when they take on the Pacers in Indianapolis.
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VIDEO: Kobe Sprains Ankle After Careless Defensive Play By Dahntay Jones – Dirty Play? You Decide. You Could Win A New Era Cap!