Kobe was playing so well. It's a shame he sprained his ankle on the final play of the game. That could hurt the Lakers' playoff chances.
Kobe Bryant severely sprains ankle, out indefinitely
Sam Amick, USA TODAY Sports 2:22a.m. EDT March 14, 2013
The Los Angeles Lakers' playoff push just got a whole lot harder.
Kobe Bryant suffered a severe left ankle sprain Wednesday night in a 96-92 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, rising up for a jumper from the right baseline with three seconds left that would have tied the game but coming down on the foot of Dahntay Jones. X-rays were negative, but Bryant told reporters it was his worst sprain since the 2000 season and a Lakers official confirmed to USA TODAY Sports he will be out indefinitely.
"First and foremost, the officials really need to protect shooters," Bryant said of the contact with Jones. "You just can't go into shooters. That's a dangerous play."
Ole Judson is probably not feeling bad though. The Dallas Mavericks now have a "great chance" to overtake the Jazz and Lakers for the 8th seed.