In the NBA, injuries are never expected, especially during the All-Star Game. LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, who was ruled out at halftime of Sunday’s All-Star Game after suffering a right hand injury, saddened the fans.
LeBron James will not return to tonight's NBA All-Star Game due to a right hand contusion.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 20, 2023
James, 38, surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most All-Star appearances ever with his 19th appearance of his career. LeBron has not given an update on the severity of his injury or when it occurred, but many believe that he got the injury while attempting to block Toronto Raptors big man Pascal Siakam’s layup attempt.
Here's the play where LeBron James hurt his wrist as he was trying to block this Pascal Siakam shot 🙏 pic.twitter.com/NyoCIuIWh7
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 20, 2023
LeBron James’ right pinky seemed to have been caught on the rim and bent weirdly, but neither pain nor a dislocated finger were seen. James attempted to block it against the backboard by sneaking up from behind. James did so, and it seemed that this is what caused the contusion—his hand got trapped on the rim on the way up.
James was ruled out for the second half due to what has been described as a “right hand contusion,” but it appears that the damage is more to one of his fingers than to his entire hand.LeBron James won’t participate in the second half of Sunday’s All-Star Game, according to the Los Angeles Lakers, who have not provided an update on the health of its star player.
James, who just passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone as the NBA’s all-time greatest scorer, did make an appearance at halftime for a ceremony held by the league to honor them. Malone is currently third all-time in scoring, while Abdul-Jabbar is first.
James joined the tournament despite having an injured left foot. Before playing in the Lakers’ final game before the All-Star break, he missed three games. He then came back and scored 21 points in 29 minutes of a blowout of New Orleans.
In 14 minutes of play, James finishes his 19th All-Star Game with 13 points, four assists, and one rebound. After the game, it is uncertain if LeBron would speak to the media and provide an update on his injuries.
