NEW YORK (AP) -- Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony sprained his left ankle in the third quarter and was not expected to return to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Knicks already had a huge lead Thursday night when Anthony landed awkwardly after being fouled by Dwight Howard on a drive to the basket. He was attended to on the court and was able to stay in after a timeout to shoot the free throws, but was clearly in pain and was taken out soon after.

Coach Mike Woodson said after the game that Anthony is day to day.

"We've just got to take it day by day and see what happens," Woodson said. "He went down kind of hard."

Anthony scored 22 points in the first quarter and had 30 in 23 minutes when he left the game.