LeBron James injured in crunch time as Celtics end Lakers’ 8-game winning streak

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Lakers star LeBron James, left, battles Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet for a rebound during the first half of the Lakers’ 111-101 loss Saturday night. James left the game in the fourth quarter because of a groin strain. (Mark Stockwell / Associated Press)

In seasons of struggle, the Lakers’ trip to Boston produced the kind of crowd noise that could match a smartwatch alarm. In seasons such as this one, where a June rematch isn’t hard to fathom, the decibels only go up.

But no amount of noise, no amount of tradition, no amount of atmosphere could save the Lakers from a future that instantly became uncertain when LeBron James sustained a groin strain during the Lakers’ 111-101 loss to Boston on Saturday night.

As the Lakers worked to come back from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter, James signaled to the Lakers bench for a timeout, the 40-year-old star grabbing at the inside of his left leg. As the Lakers’ huddled, James gingerly tried to stretch his groin muscle before walking across the court to meet with his trainer, Mike Mancias. James grimaced, frustratingly put his hands on his hips and slowly walked back to the locker room.

Read more: Column: L.A. has every reason to give LeBron James a statue in Star Plaza

The injury came as the Lakers scrambled back into the game following a disastrous third quarter when they scored just four points in the first seven minutes.

After the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick said there is “obviously concern” about James’ injury, but didn’t provide any other details.

The Lakers (40-21) struggled to defend Boston All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the duo combining for 71 points, with Tatum scoring 40.

And although Luka Doncic finished with 34 points, he was late to make an impact, the Celtics’ defense swarming and forcing him into turnovers that led to easy Boston baskets. The Lakers turned the ball over 14 times for 16 Celtics points.

James finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists.

The loss ended the Lakers’ eight-game winning streak.

While any reaction to the end of that streak is basically an overreaction, the loss against Boston (46-18) did highlight…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/lebron-james-injured-crunch-time-041021613.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2025-03-09 04:10:00

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