Baxter HolmesESPN Senior Writer1 Minute Read
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers may not play in Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a left calf contusion, as announced by the Lakers on Saturday.
The 38-year-old athlete sustained the injury during Friday’s 122-119 in-season tournament win over the Suns in Phoenix. The incident happened at 4:22 in the first quarter, when James was unintentionally struck on his left shin by Kevin Durant’s knee while driving to the basket. Despite the injury, James managed to receive treatment on the bench after gathering himself on the baseline.
Following the game, James was observed walking with a slight limp and mentioned to reporters that his shin was causing discomfort.
“It never loosened up,” remarked James about his shin. “[It] pretty much locked up right then and there. So I tried to keep my composure, make sure I was OK and try to keep it stretched out and as loose as possible and play the game and be effective.
“Pretty sore right now. Obviously because the adrenaline is calming down and iced it, now it’s pretty sore.”
The Lakers have had a sluggish start to the season with a 4-5 record leading up to Sunday’s game against the 3-5 Trail Blazers. James currently leads the team with an average of 25.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in his 21st NBA season.
