Why was LeBron James taken off at half-time during 2023 NBA All-Star Game? Explaining his injury, expected time out, return, and more
LeBron James got off to a hot start at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. Captaining his team for the sixth time in a row, James seemed adamant about securing a win and extending his 100% win record in the new All-Star Game format.
However, the LA Lakers superstar will have to count on his teammates to carry the load. James has been sidelined due to an injury and will not be participating in the second half.
Why was LeBron James taken off at half-time during the 2023 NBA All-Star Game?
LeBron James had to be taken out of the 2023 NBA All-Star Game because of a hand injury. The Lakers star suffered the blow after his hand hit the rim on one of the possessions. He scored 13 points in the first half of the game on 6-of-11 shooting from the field.
James endured an injury in the second quarter when he blocked Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam's shot at the rim. James hit his hand. He shrugged it off and played for a few minutes. However, he decided to pull out of the game at halftime. Here's the clip of the play where LeBron injured himself:
!njuewaf https://t.co/HzG7VLMCDJ
Team LeBron trailed by seven points at the end of the first half. The first quarter was tied at 46-46, while Team Giannis bagged the second with a 53-46 advantage. Earlier in the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo exited after scoring the first points of the game. He was dealing with a wrist injury entering the weekend.
The extent of LeBron James' hand injury
The extent of LeBron James' hand injury remains unknown. James has an important stretch with the Lakers after the All-Star break, so this could be a precautionary measure. The Lakers have labeled the injury a "hand contusion." He needs to be available for the team as their hopes of making the play-in tournament or the playoffs hinge on his presence.
He has been their best player, averaging 30.0 points per game on 50.8% shooting. The Lakers are currently 13th in the Western Conference with a 27-32 record, two games behind the 10th seed and 3.5 behind the sixth seed.
LeBron James gave fans a positive update regarding the injury, saying he will be fine and "it's not too much to worry about."
LeBron on his finger: “I’ll be fine.” 🙏 https://t.co/FWHXto0aAG
James elaborated that he got his finger caught on the rim, leading to his injury. The four-time NBA MVP said his exclusion from the game in the second half was largely a precautionary measure.