ATLANTA — The Lakers’ push for the playoffs might be without Kobe Bryant for a while.

The Los Angeles star severely sprained his left ankle Wednesday night after missing a game-tying shot in the closing seconds of a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

Lakers spokesman John Black said Bryant is out indefinitely, just as a team that underachieved much of the season is playing its best basketball. The 96-92 loss snapped a four-game winning streak and was just Los Angeles’ third loss in the last 12 games.

NEW ORLEANS — Ray Rice has known nothing but winning since he came into the NFL. For Frank Gore, it took a while. Two running backs with contrasting styles and story lines will be on display at this Super Bowl, but they have one thing in common — plenty of respect for each other.

“To battle through what he’s been through? He’s a warrior,” Rice said Monday evening, shortly after the Baltimore Ravens arrived in the Big Easy. “Hats off to my man Frank.”

Gore, the leading rusher for the San Francisco 49ers, also was generous with the praise.

ATLANTA — Matt Bryant pumped his fist and celebrated atop the Falcons logo in the middle of the field. Tony Gonzalez broke down in tears. Matt Ryan relished the thought of not having to answer a familiar question.

The Atlanta Falcons finally showed they could win a playoff game.

And, wow, what a game it was!

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The BCS championship is going old school.

In this era of wide-open, pass-happy offenses, college football’s ultimate prize will be decided Monday night by two throwback teams, No. 1 Notre Dame and No. 2 Alabama.

The Fighting Irish (12-0) have run for nearly has many yards as they’ve managed through the air. The Crimson Tide (12-1) is coming off a dominant performance on the ground in the Southeastern Conference championship.