Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers has a sprained left ankle, but he is expected to play in tonight’s Game 5. Bryant refused to undergo an MRI on the ankle, and he is not allowing the Lakers’ training staff from further examination on the ankle.
Kobe suffered the sprain in the fourth quarter of Game 4 versus the New Orleans Hornets while guarding Willie Green. He remained in the game for the final stretch, but he could not help the Lakers take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Bryant suffered what he called the “scariest injury of his career” in a game versus the Dallas Mavericks, but this latest setback is different. Bryant said most of the pain is felt in his foot, rather than his ankle.
Kobe is listed as day-to-day, but he told reporters he would be ready to play tonight.
Game 5 will be held in Staples Center, as the Los Angeles Lakers look to knock off the Hornets. The game can be seen on TNT at 7:30 P.M. PST.
