LeBron James required four stitches after being accidentally hit in the elbow during the United States’ 122-87 win over Brazil in the Olympic quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Team USA Coach Steve Kerr told reporters: After the win, the basketball superstar needed stitches to repair a gash over his left eye caused by Brazil’s Jorginho de Paula hitting James with an elbow while he was going for a rebound in the third quarter.
James immediately fell to the ground clutching his face and the Brazilian apologized, but the U.S. team then called a timeout to allow James to leave the game for treatment.
He stayed on the bench for a while before eventually going to the locker room.
The four-time NBA MVP returned to the bench in the final seconds of the game to help the U.S. secure the victory and book a spot in Thursday’s semifinals against Serbia.
2024 Paris Olympics
James did not play again after returning from the locker room, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting in just 17 minutes of playing time.
“I’m fine. I just accidentally hit my elbow.” James told reporters: After the match.
He also had nine assists, three steals and three rebounds.
James was one of Team USA’s key players, leading the team with an average of 7.8 assists per game during the tournament and playing a key role in the team’s success.
“That’s LeBron.” Carr added.“He’s a player who is really a point forward at heart, and for that to be the leading scorer in NBA history despite that being his secondary role is incredible. … He’s obviously playing at a very high level and has so much talent around him, so when he’s controlling the game, it means a lot.”
James is expected to be available for the match against Serbia.
