USA Today via Reuters
Mar 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is helped up by Los Angeles Lakers guard Wesley Matthews (9) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) after injuring his leg in the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is helped up by Los Angeles Lakers guard Wesley Matthews (9) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) after injuring his leg in the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Disaster struck for Los Angeles Lakers as LeBron James exited the 99-94 NBA defeat to Atlanta Hawks mid-way through the second quarter after rolling up his right ankle in a play involving Solomon Hill.
It is unconventional territory for LeBron, who was grimacing in pain after the collision. Yet, he mustered the strength to get back up and hit a three-pointer. However, he understandably could not continue and had to sit out to prevent any further damage.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Tony Snell (19) falls onto the leg of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Staples Center. James fell to the floor in obvious pain and later left the game. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
His Lakers teammates were concerned for him. Kyle Kuzma made a rather worrying revelation in the post-game press conference –
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“I haven’t necessarily seen him scream and scowl like that, probably ever, not even with that groin. It had to hurt a little bit, for sure.”
LeBron knocked over a chair as he left the court in frustration. However, the Lakers camp is refusing to divulge the details regarding the severity of his injury. Coach Frank Vogel made the following statement when asked to comment on his injury – ” I won’t disclose what LeBron was like (in the locker room). It’s in-house.”
Bron appears to turn his ankle, stays in the game and hits a three, then heads to the locker room pic.twitter.com/OdTrDW77o1
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 20, 2021
Lakers teammates pin the blame on Solomon Hill for causing LeBron James’ injury
There was a scramble for a loose ball near the sidelines. Both LeBron James and Hawks‘ Solomon Hill contested for it, but it was LeBron who reached for it first. Unfortunately, Hill crashed into his static leg- twisting it inwards as he went through it. It is fair to say that LeBron’s teammates were far from impressed with Hill.
“A guy dove for a loose ball took his leg out from up under him. I really don’t feel like it was one of those loose-ball plays. He had to go through his leg to get the ball, man,” said Harrell. “That’s an unnecessary play to dive in the leg like that,” Schroder also chimed in.
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However, Hill took to Twitter after the game to defend himself. He clearly stated that it was a non-intentional play on his part.
would never disrespect the game and take a player out purposely… he knows that. that’s all that matters to me. praying for a speedy recovery. #riptothementionstho #moredmsthansaweetie
— solomon hill (@solohill) March 20, 2021
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There’s no timeline on LeBron’s return yet. With Anthony Davis also injured, the Lakers could be in a heap of trouble now. Let’s hope he musters all of his miracle recovery powers and gets back on the court soon.
Read More – Anthony Davis Injury Update: What is The Latest News on the Lakers’ Star’s Return?
