Bryant limps off

DALLAS -- Kobe Bryant landed awkwardly on his left ankle, had to leave tonight's game against the Dallas Mavericks late in the third quarter and went to the locker room to seek treatment. Bryant leaped to battle Dallas' Shawn Marion for a loose ball, but crumpled to the court. There was no immediate word on the severity of the injury. The Lakers led the Mavericks, 73-65, going into the fourth quarter. Bryant had 12 points. He returned to the bench just as the fourth started. He was walking much better, and faster.