Baxter HolmesESPN Senior Writer2 min read
LeBron is shaking after being fouled
Lakers star LeBron James looked pained after receiving some contact during a layup attempt.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will miss Sunday’s home game against the Portland Trail Blazers with a left calf contusion, the Lakers announced Saturday.
James, 38, suffered the injury during Friday’s 122-119 in-season championship win over the Suns in Phoenix. The incident occurred at 4 minutes and 22 seconds of the first quarter, when James rushed to the basket and was inadvertently hit by Kevin Durant’s knee, hitting his left calf. James established himself at the baseline and then received treatment on the bench.
After the game, James was seen walking with a slight limp and told reporters that his calf was sore.
“It’s never been loose,” James told reporters of the tibia. “(It) pretty much locked in right then. So I was trying to stay calm, make sure I was OK, and try to stay stretched out and as loose as possible, play the game and stay effective.
“Very sore right now. Obviously because the adrenaline is calming it down and icing it, so sore right now.”
The Lakers have had a slow start to the season, improving to a 4-5 record heading into Sunday’s game against the 3-5 Trail Blazers. So far in his 21st NBA season, James is averaging a team-high 25.2 points per game, plus 8.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists.