'So sad': NBA fans devastated over LeBron James injury update
NBA fans have been left gutted after the Los Angeles Lakers announced LeBron James is out indefinitely after suffering an ankle injury.
James limped from the court after his ankle was caught under the diving Solomon Hill during the Lakers' loss to Atlanta on Saturday.
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Hill was attempting a steal when he collided with James in the second quarter, forcing one of the league's most dominant players to collapse in pain en route to his side's 99-94 defeat.
Two hours after the game, the Lakers announced that James is out indefinitely.
The defending NBA champions are already without All-NBA big man Anthony Davis, who has missed 14 consecutive games with a right calf injury and likely won't play again until April.
James also took to Twitter on Saturday to express his frustrations.
"Nothing angers and saddens me more than not being available to and for my teammates!" he tweeted.
"I'm hurt inside and out right now. The road back from recovery begins now. Back soon like I never left."
Fans were left devastated by the news that there's no immediate prospect of a return for James.
Devastated LeBron is out indefinitely .
— Vee (@PrettyGirl_V) March 21, 2021
Lebron is out indefinitely and I’m big sad. AD is still out for at least 2 weeks. Pain.
— AntiPhó (@seanyexwest_) March 21, 2021
Sad to see Lebron out indefinitely.. big blow to the Lakers. Come back stronger King #lebron
— Josh (@Juiceman4u) March 21, 2021
Lebron is out indefinitely, I’m no longer an NBA fan but it was a good run ✌🏾
— onlyyguapo 🌍 (@onlyyguapo) March 21, 2021
Dammit I’m so sad about Lebron :( pic.twitter.com/Nx9cO086kp
— Fred Sales (@Nooneman1) March 21, 2021
LA Lakers rocked by concerning injury crisis
The injuries could hit the defending champions hard, with Los Angeles currently third in the Western Conference but only 2.5 games ahead of the sixth-placed Charlotte Hornets as the regular season enters its final month.
In other matches, the fourth-placed Los Angeles Clippers humbled the Charlotte Hornets 125-98, while the Memphis Grizzlies won 111-103 over the Golden State Warriors.
The Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia 76ers did away with the Sacramento Kings 129-105 but have their own injury concerns.
Ben Simmons pulled up sore following the pre-game shoot-around and becomes Philadelphia's third starter currently off the court after injuries to Joel Embiid and Seth Curry.
The conference's third-placed Milwaukee Bucks beat the San Antonio Spurs 120-113 courtesy of an impressive 20-10 run midway through the fourth quarter.
The Bucks claimed their season-best sixth consecutive win as Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points, Khris Middleton added 23 more and Jrue Holiday had 21.
Australia's Patty Mills was rested for the Spurs, marking the first game he has not featured in this season.
with AAP
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