LeBron James didn’t play the second half of the All-Star Game on Sunday due to an injury he suffered by hitting his hand on the rim.
James said he hurt his hand after promising coach Michael Malone one defensive play, and the reason he didn’t play the second half was mainly due to precaution.
“I tried to get one little chasedown block and got my finger caught in the rim,” James explained to the media after the game. “I’ll be fine. I don’t think it’s too much to worry about.”
Coming into the All-Star game, many speculated he wouldn’t play big minutes due to a lingering ankle injury, but the 38-year-old came out hot and threw down some thunderous dunks.
LEBRON OFF THE BACKBOARD TO HIMSELF 😱 pic.twitter.com/OQ4mTWz6Ix
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 20, 2023
James scored 13 points on 6-of-11 shooting before the injury.
Team Giannis won the game 184-175 over Team LeBron, with Giannis only making an appearance in the first ten seconds of the game due to a wrist injury he suffered against the Bulls on Thursday.
LeBron has until Thursday to get ready for the Lakers’ marquee matchup with the Golden State Warriors.