How Kobe’s injuries can affect the Lakers’ run towards the playoffs

Two days after severely hurting his ankle during a game at Atlanta against the Hawks, Kobe returned to action as a starter. However, he played just 12 minutes at the game against the Pacers in Indiana, missing all four of his shots.It was just his 15th game in his 17 years in the league that he finished with zero points.

The Black Mamba hurt his ankle after landing awkwardly on the foot of Dahntay Jones. The incident took place when Kobe tried to pull up a baseline fade-away shot, with just 4 seconds left in the game and with his team down by two. He missed the shot and on his way down, he landed on the foot of the Hawks’ guard Jones twisting his ankle.

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The first reaction from the Lakers team was to list Kobe as “out indefinitely” with a left sprain ankle. Fortunately the X-Rays on his ankle were negative. Jones was accused for dangerous play. Nevertheless he stated that he had no intention to hurt his opponent. He only tried to contest the shot and ended up toughen Kobe’s landing. The Lakers finally lost the game by a deficit of four points.

This injury comes in a crucial time. The Lakers are on the verge of the Playoffs seed, currently ranked 8th and just one game ahead of the Utah Jazz. Kobe’s presence has been possibly the number one factor that kept this team together. Losing him with an injury at this point could prove fatal for them, especially if he remains sidelined for an extended period.

Kobe rushed his way back after the injury. Despite the fact that he had an awful game and finally was forced to leave the action early, he made just another statement to his teammates. You have at least to try. You have to contest, to put all your energy and focus on the court. That’s the only way you will win.

His team responded well. With a great outcome from Dwight Howard, much help from the bench and the rest of the crew, the Lakers got a victory over the tough-to-beat Indiana Pacers. The whole Lakers team showed urgency at this game and got a win for their sidelined leader.

Kobe might miss a few games. In fact he’d better stay out of action to fully heal his ankle. The Lakers need him although they shouldn’t rush him back, because they would risk his injury to get more severe.

Certainly, one could say that his injury could hurt the Lakers’ chances for a good run at the playoffs and even cost them the 8th spot. However, Kobe has proven he is a true fighter and he will make his comeback when he sees that his team really needs him. Also, the Lakers are expecting their 7-footer center Pau Gasol to return to action for the next game, so that is surely great news for the team.One way another, the Lakers seem determined to not miss the playoffs this season. Connect with Chris on Google Plus!

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