LeBron James crashed out of Los Angeles Lakers' 99-94 loss to Atlanta Hawks on Saturday with a right ankle injury that will sideline the NBA superstar indefinitely.
The Lakers superstar collapsed to the court in agony after a collision with Hawks’ Solomon Hill in the second quarter, crying out in pain and clutching his right ankle.
The 36-year-old returned briefly to hit a three-pointer before limping back to the locker room, knocking over a chair in frustration.
ADVERTISEMENT
ESPN later reported that an MRI scan revealed a high ankle sprain and that James faced an "indefinite" injury layoff. Depending on the severity, recovery from high ankle sprains can take anywhere from a few weeks up to several months.
Devastating blow
A lengthy layoff for James would be a devastating blow to reigning champion Lakers, who are already without star Anthony Davis as he recovers from Achilles tendon trouble.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Lakers fell to 28-14 to remain in second place in the Western Conference behind Utah Jazz.
Sixth straight victory
Elsewhere, Milwaukee Bucks kept the accelerator down, notching up a sixth straight victory, a 120-113 win over San Antonio Spurs.
In Memphis, the Grizzlies got the better of short-handed Golden State, turning the tables on the Warriors a night after losing to them with a 111-103 victory.
Jonas Valanciunas scored 19 points and pulled down 15 rebounds.
The results: LA Lakers 94 lost to Atlanta Hawks 99; Memphis Grizzlies 111 bt Golden State Warriors 103.
LA Clippers 125 bt Charlotte Hornets 98; Milwaukee Bucks 120 bt San Antonio Spurs 113; Phildelphia 76ers 129 bt Sacramento Kings 105.