Kobe Bryant went through an array of emotions, grimacing in pain and initially thinking his left ankle might be hurt bad enough to end his season. Then he realized things would be all right and even got back in the game.
Bryant now has a sore ankle and is still struggling with his shot, but was able to do plenty to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Dallas Mavericks 96-91 on Saturday night in matchup of Western Conference powers—and a potential playoff preview.
“I thought I was done, like done. I was praying that when I stood up, my foot was lined up straight,” Bryant said. “I thought I dislocated it.”
Late in the third quarter, Bryant came down awkwardly after having a shot blocked by Shawn Marion. While Jason Kidd converted the turnover into a layup that got Dallas within 65-63, Bryant remained on the floor in obvious pain.
When Bryant got up, he limped a few steps and called timeout. He went to the bench for a minute, then to the locker room before coming back out early in the fourth quarter and returning to the game with about 6 minutes left.
“I just walked around, let it settle in, then went back out. We were all pretty scared because it looked horrible and felt worse,” Bryant said. “When I stood up, I was happy it was still lined up. I walked around, my strength felt good. It was a little sore. But I had to stop being a chump, suck it up and go out and play.”
Lakers coach Phil Jackson said he wasn’t sure if Bryant would be able to play Monday night at home against Orlando.
The Lakers responded with eight consecutive points after Bryant went out, including two 3-pointers by Steve Blake, to stretch the lead to 73-63.
Andrew Bynum led the Lakers with 22 points and 15 rebounds, while Pau Gasol had 18 points and Ron Artest 12.
Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion had 25 points apiece for Dallas while both posting double-doubles. Marion had 12 rebounds and Nowitzki grabbed 10.
