JAN

22

LOS ANGELES — When it was over, George and Coby Karl met in front of the Denver bench and hugged, the culmination of a dream — once marred by doubters and cancer — come true. In the Lakers' 116-99 victory against the Nuggets (24-16) at the Staples Center on Monday night, Coby Karl played the final 3:23 for Los Angeles, only the third time in NBA history a father coached against his son. During the hug, "I asked him if he was upset we beat him so bad," Coby Karl said with a smile. It was a thrilling moment for Denver coach Karl on a night filled with frustration. Not only did the Nuggets lose an important game, but all-star forward Carmelo Anthony suffered a sprained left ankle. With 5:51 left in the second quarter, Anthony attempted a jump shot over Kobe Bryant, and when Anthony's feet hit the ground, his left foot landed on Bryant's foot. Anthony fell to the floor like a boxer. He squirmed and sprawled while the Nuggets grimaced and grunted. Trainer Jim Gillen hustled to the floor and attended to the fallen star. Anthony had sprained his left ankle, but X-rays came back negative. Anthony didn't return to the game and will be re-evaluated today in Denver. But, it seems, it could have been a lot worse. Coach Karl said it was a "substantial sprain," but he's hopeful Anthony can return this weekend. "It's hurting real bad," Anthony said from the locker room. "I'm struggling trying to put this sock on. But I'll get rehab and see how it feels." With 2:37 left, after Denver's Linas Kleiza was called for a technical foul, Coby Karl was chosen to shoot the free throw, which he made in front of the Denver bench. It was the only point for the Lakers reserve and cancer survivor. He later airballed a 3-point attempt. Thus the Karls joined a couple of other promiment NBA families. Butch van Breda Kolff of the New Orleans Jazz coached against his son, Jan, of the New York Nets in one game on Nov. 9, 1976. And Mike Dunleavy Sr. coaches against his son, Mike Jr....

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