Some NBA experts believe that the only way the Los Angeles Lakers will stop being a consistent contender is either a drastic decline in health, or if Kobe Bryant somehow goes down with an injury. Well, the plastic end of a chair seemed to nearly guarantee the latter. Bryant made a fadeaway late in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs against the New Orleans Hornets, then went sliding back.

(via nbavideosnow)

It was reported that it was only a neck bruise, and he was back out in the third quarter anyway. You'd pretty much need to put Kobe in a body cast to keep him out of a playoff game. Additionally, it doesn't really help improve the already weak image of the Laker fan at Staples to see an empty courtside seat during Game 1 of a threepeat bid.

For more Lakers coverage, go to Silver Screen & Roll. For Hornets coverage, check out At The Hive.