The Lakers proved that they could survive without Kobe as they fought their way to a 99-93 win over the Indiana Pacers.
Lakers star Kobe Bryant hit the floor on Friday ready to take on the Indiana Pacers and prove that he was as tough as steel. His injured ankle had other plans.
Bryant had been fighting the pain and undergoing rehab since severely spraining his left ankle after landing on Atlanta Hawk Dahntay Jones' right foot on Wednesday. The Lakers were cautiously optimistic seeing their leader on the floor, but it wasn't mean to be. Bryant would only play 12 minutes before heading to the bench for good. He missed all four of his shots. It would only be the 15th time in his 17 year-NBA career that he would be scoreless in a game.
The Lakers had other problems to deal with, particularly an Indiana Pacers team with the fifth best record in the league. The Pacers jumped out with an early 19-16 lead in the first quarter helped by the Lakers missing their first five shots. However, the Pacers let things get ugly on their end in the second quarter going 0 for 6 to start the period. Lakers took control on their way to a 46-41 lead by halftime.
Steve Blake managed to keep the game competitive throughout hitting 5 three-pointers to end the game with 18 points and 7 assists. The Lakers rank 18th in 3-point percentage, but you wouldn't know it by tonight's performance. The team shot 13-26 on threes Friday night. Antawn Jamison who announced earlier that the team could be competitive without Kobe, put his shot where his mouth was going 6-10 including 4 for 7 from outside the arc. The Lakers power forward also added 7 rebounds.
Point guard George Hill led the Pacers in scoring with 27 points. Paul George added 20 points and 9 rebounds.
It's not clear if Bryant will play Saturday night's home game against Sacramento