Lakers top Pacers despite Kobe’s limited minutes

Indianapolis, IN, United States (4E Sports) – Kobe Bryant played just 12 minutes, all in the first quarter, as the Lakers beat the Pacers 99-93 Friday.

Dwight Howard led the Lakers with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Bryant went 0-for-4 from the field for zero points along with two assists and one turnover before asking out of the game.

Bryant said his ankle “improved a lot” since injuring it during Wednesday’s loss at Atlanta, but he still has limited movement.

“It was really stiff,” Bryant said. “It just continued to swell. I couldn’t put any weight on it so I had to call it a night.”

Bryant said he couldn’t post, back a guy down, or move defensively. While he could shoot standing still, once he started getting up and down at a fast pace, the ankle continued to get worse.

Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni is open to the possibility of Bryant resting Sunday when the Lakers host the Sacramento Kings.

“It just depends on how (his ankle) reacts to the plane flight home,” D’Antoni said. “I wouldn’t bet against him, but Sunday I’m sure they’ll come and tell me whether he can play or not.”

Bryant went through a workout with Lakers trainer Gary Vitti that lasted about 25 minutes three hours prior to tip-off.

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