Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James sustained an apparent leg injury late in Saturday night’s matchup against the Boston Celtics. The incident occurred at 7:05 in the fourth quarter, when James made a post move in the paint against Jaylen Brown. After the play, he was seen running gingerly up the court on defense before signaling for a substitution following a Celtics layup.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick called a timeout on the next possession, allowing the training staff to attend to James. Moments later, he was subbed out for Jared Vanderbilt, and the Lakers officially ruled him out for the remainder of the game due to a groin injury. James headed to the locker room with a few minutes left on the clock.
This is never a GOOD sign when your star players are looking injured
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) March 9, 2025
LeBron back to the Locker room pic.twitter.com/NnSLJ44dXb
Before his exit, James was delivering a stellar performance, nearly securing a triple-double with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists in 35 minutes. After James left, the Lakers fought back to within four, but the Celtics sealed a 111-101 victory with a 10-2 closing run.
Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, while Jaylen Brown added 31 points, six rebounds, and three steals. Luka Doncic paced the Lakers with 34 points.
The win split the season series 1-1 between the two rivals, with each team defending home court. Unless they meet in the 2024-25 NBA Finals, this was their final showdown of the season. The victory also snapped the Lakers’ eight-game winning streak and improved Boston’s record to 46-18.
Former Cavaliers jokingly referred to LeBron James’ “40-year career”
During a Lakers-Celtics game, ESPN color commentator and former Cavaliers teammate Richard Jefferson jokingly referred to LeBron James’ “40-year career” after a smooth fadeaway jumper. He quickly clarified that he meant James is 40 years old, not in his 40th NBA season.
“This is something he has added over the course of his 40-year career,” Jefferson said, per The Sporting News.
Now in his 22nd NBA season, James’ career is filled with unprecedented milestones, from surpassing 50,000 combined points across the regular season and playoffs to winning championships with three different franchises.
READ: Luka Doncic Smashed in the Face Multiple Times in Game Against Celtics
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