Atlanta perfectly negotiated his visit to the Staples Center by leaving with a snatch victory over the Lakers (94-99). But of course, it is the exit on injury of LeBron James which will remain in many memories. The second quarter was just beginning when the Lakers star slammed into Solomon Hill before falling to the ground. The knee had bent, but it was mostly the right ankle that had turned outward.
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The cry of pain upon shock left little doubt as to the severity of the injury. However, after a stint on the bench, James came back into play and even planted a long shot. But his reception on one leg after the shot could not but cause concern.
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In fact, he asked for a time out and had to give up playing the rest of the game, the Lakers announcing that he would not return after returning to the locker room. After the match, coach Frank Vogel could not provide details on the nature of the injury to his player, the latter undergoing an MRI at the same time.
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Lakers lose more than a game
What is certain is that without James (25.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8 assists this season) the Lakers do not have the same face. If they turned in the lead at the break (53-52), they experienced a big air hole in the third quarter (12-22). Behind a John Collins on fire (27 points, 16 rebounds), the Hawks chained an eighth consecutive victory. With the contribution of Danilo Gallinari (18 points) off the bench, Atlanta approached the last quarter with a comfortable margin (65-74).
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Montrezl Harrell (23 points, 11 rebounds) had beautiful air to the Lakers, they ended up losing after a three points from Gallinari and a dunk from Collins greatly served by Trae Young. But more than the scoreboard at the end of the match, it’s LeBron James’ next health report that will excite Los Angeles, especially before the shock against Phoenix who has just taken second place in the Western Conference. .
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