LOS ANGELES (Sporting Alert) — The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping for the best over the fitness of star guard Kobe Bryant, who is current sidelined with an injury.
Watch Video Highlights of Bryant’s Injury
Bryant suffered a sprained ankle during the Lakers’ 96-92 to the Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday night and he’s now racing against time to be fit in time for Friday night’s clash against the Indiana Pacer.
The injury came at a bad time for the Lakers, who were beginning to play well in the push for a playoffs slot in the difficult Western Conference.
Bryant sustained the ankle sprain after he landed on the foot of defender Dahntay Jones, who apparently stepped underneath him – causing the shooter to fall to the court in discomfort.
There are several debate surrounding the foul it self, and the 34-year-old reveals that “it was the worst ankle injury he’d had since the 2000 National Basketball Association Finals.”
The Los Angeles star has also called for better protection for shooters.
“First and foremost, officials really need to protect shooters,” he said.
“As defensive players you can contest shots but you can’t walk underneath players. That’s dangerous for the shooter.”
Jones, though, defended himself.
“Tape doesn’t lie,” Jones via his Twitter account. “Ankle was turned on the floor after the leg kick out that knocked him off balance. I would never try to hurt the man.”
