Early in the Lakers’ Christmas Day battle with the Boston Celtics, LeBron James kneed Jaylen Brown in the back and both players went down.
VIDEO:
— 3030 (@jose3030) December 26, 2023
When LeBron James & Jaylen Brown collided (Replay) pic.twitter.com/bfhp1L1X18
Both players hit the deck, though James appeared to wait until it was clear Brown was injured before going to the ground himself.
Was James shaken up? We’d never suggest that King James would exaggerate an injury, but despite being on the ground clutching his knee for minutes, he was back in the game one minute and 21 seconds after he left.
It worked, to a degree, as James avoided being called for a flagrant foul - or any foul at all. Brown missed the rest of the second. quarter, but he was back for the second half, ultimately finishing with 19 points in 33 minutes.
Adding fuel to the contingent of LeBron injury truthers was the play that happened just after James’ return, when he skied for a chase down block of Boston’s Jayson Tatum.
VIDEO:
— 3030 (@jose3030) December 25, 2023
LeBron James blocks Jayson Tatum
(Tatum fouled by Taurean Prince; however!) pic.twitter.com/PqKVyPNrJi
The block didn’t count because of a foul committed by Taurean Prince, but it was an impressive display of athleticism from James, who turns 39 in five days. Especially since he acted like he’d broken his kneecap less than five minutes earlier.
James flirted with a triple-double in the loss, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. But he shot 5-for-14 and fell to 10-8 lifetime in Christmas Day games.
Thankfully he seems healthy. If he was ever actually hurt at all.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!