MRI on Kobe’s ankle reveals severe sprain

Bryant, who will likely be placed on the injured list, suffered the injury with 5:39 remaining in the first quarter of Thursday’s game against the Cavaliers when he landed on the foot of Cleveland’s Ira Newble while battling for a rebound.

The All-Star had to be carried off the court and into the locker room and did not return. X-rays taken were negative.

The 26-year-old Bryant will be re-evaluated in approximately 72 hours and an estimate on how long he will be out of the lineup will be given at that time.

In 34 games this season, Bryant is averaging 27.5 points, 6.6 assists and 6.3 rebounds per contest. He is second in the league in scoring and first in minutes played (42.0 mpg).