Kobe Misses Game-Tying Shot, Sprains Ankle, Is Out Indefinitely

The Lakers lost to the Atlanta Hawks 96-92 tonight when Kobe couldn't convert on a last-seconds baseline jumper to force overtime.

On his way down, he landed on Dahntay Jones's foot and went down in a heap on the court. He would eventually walk off on his own but, according to the team, he suffered a severe sprain and will be out indefinitely. X-rays were negative.

We mentioned this morning that the Lakers pulled into sole possession of 8th place in the West and Kobe's playoff guarantee was looking pretty safe. One step forward, two steps backward. Obviously a Kobe Bryant-less Lakers is not a safe playoff team. The Lakers will have to get it together quickly as they play three games in four nights beginning Friday against the Pacers, followed by the Kings and Suns on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

Update 11:45 p.m. As was mentioned below, Kobe and Jones have a bit of a history together. Back in the 2009 playoffs Bryant needed to be separated from Jones after Jones clearly tried tripping him as he went past him.

After the game, Kobe—who looks like he's yelling at someone at the end of the clip—tweeted that the play (sidling up underneath a shooting player) was dangerous and should have been called a foul.