Kobe Bryant injures ankle

This isn't the first time Dahntay Jones and Kobe Bryant have been in a tussle. When the Nuggets and Lakers faced off in 2009, Jones was a member of the Nuggets squad and given the task to try to contain Bryant. While the series was a hard fought contest that saw the Lakers come out victorious, fans, coaching staff and players of the Lakers organization were all but pleased with Jones’ defense. This was the case Thursday night in another meeting of the two players.

In the Lakers loss to the Atlanta Hawks this week, Kobe Bryant and Dahntay Jones were once again paired. With a few seconds left on the clock and the Lakers needing points, Bryant went back for a fade away and Jones went up to contest the shot. Bryant landed on Jones’ foot, rolled his ankle and is now out indefinitely with an ankle sprain. Jones went on to celebrate the win with his team. After the loss, the debate began as to whether or not Jones’ defense was strong and aggressive, or dirty.

According to Kobe Bryant via Twitter, Jones’ defense was a, “[dangerous play] that should have been called. Period.” Former defensive ace and ESPN analyst Bruce Bowen said of the play that, “Replay shows he kind of walked up under him a little bit there. You’re wondering why is he continuing to walk toward Kobe at the particular moment.” NBA rules state that a player can contest a shot, but room needs to be allowed for a player to land. Obstructing the player's landing is a foul, and against the rules.

While a foul wasn't called, the fact is there is a history of players using dirty defense to stymie other teams. Kobe, in fact, referred to what Jones did as “Jalen Roseing,” in regards to Jalen Rose admitting to trying to obstruct Bryant’s landing area during a 2000 finals game. Was Jones’ defense really bordering dirty play, or was this another case of a superstar mad a call didn't go his way?

Photo courtesy of SB Nation