Mavericks hoping Kristaps Porzingis' ankle injury isn't severe

Dallas Mavericks big man Kristaps Porzingis exited Thursday's 115-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter with a sprained left ankle and didn't return. 

Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle said after the game that the team is hoping the injury isn't severe. 

"Uncertain as to the severity," Carlisle said, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "We're hoping it's not too severe. I don't think he's been ruled out for Saturday yet, but with ankles, a lot of it's about how the player's feeling the next morning.

"So, we'll see where he is tomorrow. He was in pretty good spirits after the game, and he is walking. He isn't in a [protective] boot or anything at this point."

Porzingis rolled his ankle while pursuing a loose ball. He then limped to the bench before heading to the locker room and finished with 19 points, six rebounds and one assist.

The 25-year-old is averaging 20.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 47.4% from the field and 36.3% from deep. His play has helped propel the Mavericks into a tie for sixth place in the Western Conference with the Portland Trail Blazers.