Baxter HolmesESPN Senior Writer November 11, 2023 8:43pm ET2 Minute Reading
LeBron was shaken after a foul
Lakers star LeBron James grimaces after making contact on a layup attempt.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is questionable for Sunday’s home game against the Portland Trail Blazers because of a bruised left calf, the Lakers announced Saturday.
The 38-year-old James suffered the injury during Friday’s 122-119 regular season win over the Suns in Phoenix. It happened with 4:22 left in the first quarter when James was driving to the basket and took an unintentional hit from Kevin Durant’s knee to his left shin. James rallied on the baseline before being treated on the bench.
After the game, James was seen walking with a slight limp and told reporters that his shin was sore.
“It never came loose,” James told reporters of the shin. “[It] pretty much locked up here and there. So I tried to keep my composure, make sure I was OK and try to keep the tension as loose as possible and play the game and be effective.
“It’s quite painful at the moment. “Obviously because the adrenaline is wearing off and making it ice cold, it’s pretty sore now.”
The Lakers got off to a slow start this season, posting a 4-5 record heading into Sunday’s game against the 3-5 Trail Blazers. James is averaging a team-high 25.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists in his 21st NBA season.