Late in Sunday night's Game 4 against the Hornets, Lakers star Kobe Bryant rolled his left ankle. In the wake of the L.A. loss, there were many questions about whether or not he'd be able to play in the next game, let alone make an impact. The sprain looked that bad on the replay.
In one play during Tuesday's 106-90 win in Game 5, Kobe alleviated all those concerns. With a little under four minutes left in the second quarter, Kobe exploded through the lane and dunked right on shot-blocking New Orleans center Emeka Okafor for a thunderous finish. It wasn't only a sign that Kobe's ankle is fine -- it was arguably the most athletic dunk Bryant has had in several seasons.
Oh, and, if that weren't enough, Kobe had a nice lefty jam around Carl Landry midway through the third quarter. Watch it after the jump.
Hmm, maybe he should get hurt more often.
(Original videos via Ben Golliver)