Kobe Bryant’s ankle is worse than originally thought, and after playing with what was listed as a “sore left ankle” against the Denver Nuggets, Kobe has missed two straight games for the Los Angeles Lakers and it has been updated to a “sprained left ankle”.  He played 39 minutes against the Nuggets, going 11-22 for 33 points and 9 rebounds.  Kobe’s outside shot was on (he hit 4-8 threes) but he lacked the aggressiveness going to the hole that we are used to seeing out of Kobe.  I’m not sure if he tweaked his ankle and made it worse, but he has been sitting out since that game and may sit out of the All-Star game.  He is listed as a game-time decision for tomorrow night’s game against the Utah Jazz.  The Lakers won both games without Kobe, first a road win against the Portland Trail Blazers and then a home win over the Spurs.  So, the Lakers are still a very capable team without Kobe, but they are going to need him to be healthy towards the end of the season and once the playoffs start.  It might be smart then for Kobe to rest his ankle up for the second half of the season.  Knowing how competitive Kobe is, don’t be surprised to see Kobe out there tomorrow night and even make an appearance during the All-Star game this weekend.