Kobe Bryant scored 21 points before leaving with a sprained ankle, and the Pacific Division-leading Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 101-87 on Monday night.

Bryant got an offensive rebound and missed an off-balance shot before landing on Indiana center Jeff Foster's right foot early in the third quarter. Bryant was helped off the court before walking to the dressing room without assistance.

Bryant came back to the bench a couple minutes later, but didn't return to the game. As he sat on the bench, he tested his ankle and then used a large elastic band to keep it loose. He didn't ice it and didn't seem to be in pain.