National Basketball Association

Bryant leaves game with sprained ankle

Published Mar. 12, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Kobe Bryant has left the Los Angeles Lakers' game at Dallas after coming down awkwardly on his ankle.

Bryant fell to the floor after having the ball slapped away from him by Shawn Marion late in the third quarter. While Jason Kidd converted the turnover into a layup, Bryant remained on the floor in obvious pain.

After getting up, Bryant was limping when he took a few steps and called timeout.

Bryant went to the bench briefly before walking unassisted, but limping, off the court and toward the locker room. He returned to the bench early in the fourth quarter but wasn't immediately back in the game.