Kenneth Faried goes down after a flagrant foul from Kobe Bryant.
Kenneth Faried goes down after a flagrant foul from Kobe Bryant. REUTERS

Kobe Bryant was whistled for a flagrant foul early in the third quarter of the Lakers 113-96 loss to the Denver Nuggets, when he hit Kenneith Faried in the head as he attempted to block the shot.

Bryant was sick before the game and was a step behind on defense most of the night. He got away with several grabs, and less than spectacular defensive plays in the first half before he scalped Faried.

Faried crumpled to the ground after the shot from Bryant and appeared to be knocked unconscious briefly, but he returned to the game and hit both foul shots.

Faried finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets, while Bryant chipped in 31 points for the Lakers.

The series is now tied at three games apiece. The teams will square off on Saturday night at 10:30 p.m. from Los Angeles to determine a winner.

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