Kobe Bryant is a game-time decision, officially listed as questionable for the Lakers' game Monday night with the Orlando Magic at Staples Center. Bryant sprained his left ankle in the third quarter of Saturday night's win in Dallas over the Mavericks. While Lakers' fans everywhere collectively held their breath at the thought of losing their superstar, Bryant did too, telling reporters after the game, "I thought I was done. I was just praying that when I stood up, that my foot was lined straight."
With the Lakers fighting tooth and nail with Dallas for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, every game is important, especially against the playoff-bound Magic, who beat the Lakers last month in Orlando. However, after Monday's game, the Lakers are off until Friday, so resting Bryant for one game would effectively give him five full days of rest, counting Sunday.
The fact the Kobe was walking on the ankle after the game, even with a limp, bodes well for his chances, and his notoriously stubborn nature means it would not be a surprise to see him in uniform Monday night. Coach Phil Jackson sees the value of rest, but also sees the value of Kobe in the lineup too, telling Mike Trudell of NBA.com, "It’d be great to have him get three days off to get better, but if he’s capable of playing, he’ll play."
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