Team USA got right into the mix as they took on Brazil in the quarter-finals. The game kicked off with a sheer display of dominance from the reigning gold medalists, however, it was LeBron James who bore the brunt of it all. The King has fallen and that can be a major alarm for USA Basketball if they are to call someone up at this stage of the Paris Olympics. Bron got hit in the face by De Paula’s elbow while trying to defend in transition. The game had to be halted momentarily and James had to be taken off.

He sat on the bench and was later taken to the locker room. It did look like a hard hit over his left eye, but the staff has yet to give an update on James. As he walked back to the locker room, he was bleeding from the open wound. While the rest of the squad took care of business on the floor, LeBron James’ sudden injury has raised concerns.

However, with 2:53 remaining in the fourth quarter, with USA in the lead with 114, Bron sat courtside, in a warm-up t-shirt. The fanbase got to see glimpses of Embiid‘s dominance today, alongside James who contributed 12 points, 9 assists, and 3 steals, going 5 of 6 from the field, before being taken off.

Team USA got the better of Brazil, 122-87 and they’ll meet Serbia in the Semi-Finals. Devin Booker led the squad with 18 points alongside ANT‘s 17-point haul for the night. However, the big question now is, will LeBron James suit up against Serbia?

Team USA may be in trouble in light of LeBron James’ injury

Every Team USA supporter is praying for James’ return. And the King has given a positive update on his head injury. “I’m ok. I just got hit with an inadvertent elbow,” he said. However, as Steve Kerr pointed out, the veteran needed four stitches. This is definitely alarming news for Team USA. Yes, James seems to be fine, but the semi-final tips off in less than 48 hours and that may not be enough recovery time.

The hoopers have faced Serbia twice already. Steve Kerr’s side knows them quite well and it shouldn’t be a problem getting past Nikola Jokic and Co. without LeBron James, in the worst scenario. Of course, the 39-year-old’s availability will be something to look out for, as further updates flow in. However, it is important to note that Serbia is coming off a nail-biter against Australia, after overcoming a 24-point deficit! So, they are high on confidence for sure, and KD pointed out something similar in his recent comments too.

“You understand them as well. So it’s going to be about who wants it more, you know what I’m saying? We’re going to watch the film, study tendencies and all that stuff,” Team USA’s All-Time highest scorer asserted after the victory.

What are your thoughts on LeBron James’ injury? Do you think he will be back in the Semi-Finals? Let us know in the comments.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.