However, despite the great play from the Lakers on the court, the team had to deal with the tough loss of Kobe Bryant. The Lakers star suffered a severe ankle sprain in a game against the Atlanta Hawks and was unable to fight through the pain. Bryant did try to give it a go the very next game, but he could not play at a high level.
It was another busy week at Lakers Nation and here is a week in review.
Lakers Nation Game Recaps:
The Los Angeles Lakers opened the week with a game against the tough Chicago Bulls. The Bulls were obviously without Derrick Rose, but they caused a lot of problems for the Lakers on the defensive end. The match was close throughout, but the Lakers showed their dominance in the second half.
Dwight Howard made his return to Orlando for the first time since being traded on Tuesday night in a highly anticipated game. The Lakers already loss to the Magic earlier in the season and Howard was determined not to fall to his former team twice. In the game, Howard returned to his former self and scored a season high 39 points on 25-39 shooting from the free throw line. Howard also chipped in with 16 points as the Lakers won 106-97.
The Lakers’ only loss of the week came against the Atlanta Hawks in a game that saw Kobe Bryant suffer a severe ankle sprain. The Hawks were without their star Josh Smith, but they still managed to beat the Lakers. Bryant had a chance to send the game into overtime, but he missed his shot attempt and rolled his ankle on the way down.
Los Angeles finished the week off in Indiana where it faced one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Kobe Bryant was placed in the starting lineup, but he decided to call it quits after a very difficult first quarter. The Lakers had to play the rest of the game without their star, but to the delight of fans everywhere, the players stepped up. It was truly a collective victory as the Lakers walked away winners, 99-93.
Lakers Nation News:
Kobe Bryant praises Steve Blake for being a competitor.
Bryant started the game in Indiana despite the injury.
Kobe tweeted a picture of his sprained ankle.
Bryant was ruled “out indefinitely” following the loss to the Hawks.
Dahntay Jones denies dirty play against Kobe Bryant.
The NBA said a foul should have been called against Dahntay Jones.
Pau Gasol will start upon his return from injury.
Kobe Bryant calls injury “worst sprain since 2000 NBA Finals”
Kobe says Lakers will be big problem in playoffs.
Dwight Howard broke Shaquille O’Neal’s record for most free throw attempts.
Kobe Bryant once again won Western Conference Player of the week.
Dwight Howard apologized to fans in Orlando.
Howard talked about his relationship with Kobe Bryant.