Team USA ruled over Brazil in the quarter-final game of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but fans were left holding their breath when LeBron James took a frightening hit. In a heart-stopping moment, James was struck in the face by Georginho De Paula’s elbow while defending in transition, causing immediate concern for the American side.
As the game progressed, James was seen on the bench before being taken to the locker room for further evaluation. The blow appeared to have hit him hard around the temples, raising alarms about his condition. Blood was visible near his left eye as he walked back to the locker room, leaving fans and teammates anxious.
Despite the scare, the Los Angeles Lakers forward returned courtside with 2:53 remaining in the fourth quarter, donning a white USA warm-up t-shirt. The King’s efforts helped the Americans secure a commanding 63-36 lead going into the third quarter.
Before the injury, James had an outstanding performance, contributing 10 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals by halftime, and shooting perfectly from the field.
Steve Kerr is not so calm
Team USA ultimately triumphed over Brazil with a 122-87 victory, led by Devin Booker’s 18 points and Anthony Edwards’ 17 points. As they prepare to face Serbia in the Semi-Finals, questions loom about James‘ availability.
In a post-game update, James reassured fans by saying, “I’m ok. I just got hit with an inadvertent elbow.” However, head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that James required four stitches due to the elbow hit. While James appears to be fine, the quick turnaround to the Olympic Semi-Final, which tips off in less than 48 hours, raises concerns about his readiness.
Team USA has faced Serbia twice already and is confident about their chances. However, James’ potential absence is a significant factor. Fans and supporters are hopeful for a swift recovery and eagerly await further updates on his condition.
