LEBRON James had to leave the Paris Olympics quarterfinal clash with Brazil after taking a nasty elbow to his face.
Team USA notched a dominant 122-87 win to secure a spot in the semifinals on Tuesday.
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LeBron James took a painful elbow to his face during Team USA’s win over BrazilCredit: EPA
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Team USA teammate Joel Embiid helped James up as he grimaced in pain following the hitCredit: Reuters
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LeBron didn’t return to the court as Team USA maintained a big lead over Brazil until the end of the gameCredit: Reuters
But it was a rather unpleasant night in Paris for James, 39, who grimaced in pain after the hit sent him tumbling to the floor halfway through the third quarter.
The incident occurred as the Los Angeles Lakers star tried to defend the basket with Brazil charging down the court in transition.
He then got elbowed by guard Georginho De Paula, who tipped in Leo Meindl’s missed layup.
Team USA’s athletic trainer tended to the four-time NBA champion, who winced while covering his eye.
Joel Embiid came to check on James too before helping the 6-foot-9 forward up.
TV cameras later showed the 20-time All-Star still in discomfort and holding a towel to his eye on the bench.
Reporters claimed LeBron headed to the locker room for a check-up after taking the shot.
He would never return to the court with the Americans maintaining a safe double-digit lead until the end.
However, James seemingly signaled he was okay as he came back from the locker room.
As LeBron chants roared from the stands, he waved to the crowd before pretending to put a crown on his head in a signature gesture referring to his King James nickname.
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The NBA legend finished the matchup with 12 points, nine assists, three rebounds, and three steals.
Devin Booker led Team USA in scoring with 18 points in addition to three assists and three rebounds.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s Bruno Caboclo erupted for 30 points while logging six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.
Kevin Durant reached a huge career milestone during the game.
The Phoenix Suns star registered 11 points off the bench, becoming USA Basketball’s all-time leading scorer at the Olympics.
WNBA legend Lisa Leslie held the record since the 2004 Athens Games.
Team USA will face Serbia for a spot in the final on Thursday.
Meanwhile, France will square off with Germany in the other semifinal in a rematch of their pool play clash.
The host nation beat the 2023 FIBA World Cup champions 85-71 to wrap up the proceedings in Group B last week.
The men’s basketball final will take place on Saturday.
