Anxious Lakers fans are awaiting to see if Kobe Bryant plays on Tuesday night.

And if so, how effective will he be?

The Lakers' star turned his left ankle in the fourth quarter on Sunday night's game against the Hornets. He was listed as day-to-day, but apparently Bryant is going to play even whether a doctor says differently.

There has been no report from the Lakers on Tuesday that the ankle or foot has improved or gotten worse.

He says he'll play, Lakers coach Phil Jackson recently stated.

Bryant underwent extensive treatment on the ankle, which included icing, electrostimulation and massage, and brushed aside requests to have an MRI. Bryant had previously said the injury had more to do with his foot than his ankle.

Lakers' power forward Pau Gasol believes there was never any doubt that Bryant would play.

This is the second straight year that Bryant is limping in the playoffs. A fierce competitor, Bryant is known to play through pain.

It's going to take a lot to stop me to play, Bryant said.

It will be interesting if Bryant will have Chris Paul as a defensive assignment. Bryant has guarded the quick point guard at times during the playoffs, but may not do so if his foot is bothering him.

Tonight's Game Five with the New Orleans Hornets will take place at Staples Center at 10:40.

The series is tied, 2-2.