Watch: Scott Foster bloodies lip after collision with LeBron James
NBA official Scott Foster ended up in the path of a rushing LeBron James late in the second-quarter of Game 3 in LA. With Foster taking full contact from the LA Lakers superstar, the official ended up with a bloodied lip.
After a quick Lakers inbound, Foster didn't have enough time to recover and get off the court. Unfortunately, he was directly in the line of James, who was ready to sprint down the court to for a transition basket.
Considering that the Lakers were on the verge of cutting into Denver's lead, LeBron sought out an opportunity to do so with an emphatic basket. Austin Reaves anticipated this and aimed to throw a rather demanding pass into the front court.
However, LeBron James' collision with Foster resulted in a rather staggered sprint, thus resulting in a turnover for the Lakers at a rather crucial point in the first half.
The Lakers eventually did manage to tie the game. However, a 3-point shot by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope helped Denver maintain a three point lead heading into the second half.
LeBron James facilitates the Lakers offense
LeBron James has taken on a more passive role in Game 3. However, he has been key in facilitating the LA Lakers' offense. With nine points and seven assists heading into the second half, the Lakers will expect more from their superstar.
On a more positive note for the Purple and Gold, the Lakers have shown some signs of life from other players as well. Lakers big Anthony Davis has come out with a particularly aggressive mindset. With some solid defense and rebounding, LA will hope to see AD produce a solid outing the second half as well.
However, the main concern for the Lakers will be containing Jamal Murray. The Denver Nuggets star has looked nothing short of unstoppable heading into the second half. With 30 points to start the game, Murray has continued his hot streak from the fourth-quarter of Game 2.
Read: Denver Nuggets vs LA Lakers: 3 key takeaways from Game 2