Kobe KO’d with sprained ankle vs. Cavs

Bryant suffered the injury at the 5:39 mark of the opening period when he stepped awkwardly on Cleveland’s Ira Newble after grabbing a rebound. The All- Star had to be carried off the court and into the locker room

X-rays taken were negative, but Bryant he is not expected to return.

An MRI on Bryant’s ankle will be performed Friday to determine whether any ligament damage has occurred.

Bryant, who entered the contest ranked second in the league with a 28.2 points per game average, had two points and three assists in six minutes.