Kobe Bryant Will Start Tonight in Indiana

According to several Lakers beat writers, Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni said that it will be a game-time decision whether Kobe Bryant plays tonight in The Fieldhouse. But, his gut instinct says that Kobe will indeed play.

D’Antoni on KB: “We don’t want to injure it any more. We’ll see how it goes.” Maintains that it’s a gametime decision, but his gut says yes

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 15, 2013

Then, seconds later, it became clear that Kobe will give it a go.

Kobe Bryant will try to play tonight vs. Indy. Has a severely sprained left ankle. Was declared out indefinitely by Lakers two days ago.

— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) March 15, 2013

Of course he will.

Because Kobe is an indestructible cyborg who will join a triumvirate-led KGB with Barry and Other Barry after he retires from the NBA — in 2027.

But even though he is trying to play,  some Indiana players still may have their former teammate Dahntay Jones to thank for the role he played in slowing down Mamba if he struggles this evening.

In case you’ve been living under all the rocks, Kobe suffered what was called a “severe ankle sprain” on Wednesday after he missed a game winner against the Hawks and came down on or near Dahntay’s foot.

UPDATE: Here he is warming up. Looks OK.

UPDATE II: It’s officially official now: Mamba to start.

Kobe Bryant is officially in the starting line up.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 15, 2013