The Lakers have stated that Kobe Bryant is expected to miss as many as nine more games because of a severely sprained right ankle.

Bryant, who was injured Jan. 13, already has sat out six games and could miss four home games and a five-game road trip that begins Feb. 6, Lakers spokesman John Black told the Los Angeles Times for Friday's edition.

"As of today, it's unlikely that he'll play on the trip," Black told the paper. "We maintain hope that he'll be back soon. He's a fast healer compared to most people, but that was a severe sprain."