Kobe plays sparingly in loss to Pacers

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INDIANAPOLIS — Kobe Bryant lasted just one quarter on a severely sprained left ankle, but Dwight Howard completed a go-ahead, three-point play with 90 seconds left Friday night to help the Los Angeles Lakers hold off the Indiana Pacers, 99-93.

Bryant started two nights after he was hurt but was ineffective. He went 0 for 4 in the first quarter, then went to the bench and did not return. He spent the second half holding a black box with wires running down to the injured ankle as he cheered on the Lakers (35-32).

Howard finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Metta World Peace had 19 points.

George Hill scored 27 points and Paul George had 20 for Indiana.