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Lakers Vs. Hornets: Kobe Bryant Refuses MRI, Plans To Play In Game 5

Kobe Bryant has a reputation for being tough and playing through pain, and stubbornness at times has a certain charm to it. However, the Lakers' guard is taking his toughness to a new level with his latest injury. Bryant, who injured his left ankle and foot on Sunday night in Game 4 in New Orleans against the Hornets, on Monday refused to take an MRI exam, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles:

Bryant spent Monday undergoing extensive treatment on the ankle, according to Jackson, including icing, electrostimulation and massage.

Bryant declined to undergo any further examination of the injury through X-rays or an MRI, going against the wishes of the Lakers front office.

The Lakers have officially listed Bryant as day-to-day with a sprained left ankle, but by all accounts Bryant is expected to play Tuesday night. The best-of-seven series with the Hornets is tied at 2-2, and Game 5 will start at 7:30 p.m. PDT and be televised on TNT and Fox Sports West.

For more news on this first-round matchup, be sure to stay tuned to this story stream at SB Nation Los Angeles. For more NBA playoff coverage, check out SB Nation's playoff bracket and schedule. For more news and information on the Lakers, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Silver Screen and Roll.