LeBron James Exits All-Star Game at Halftime with Hand Contusion

The Lakers forward's team lost 184–175 in Salt Lake City.

A rough season for the Lakers went from bad to worse Sunday night at the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The team’s lone representative in the annual midseason showcase, forward LeBron James, exited the game at halftime. The NBA's all-time leading scorer received an official injury designation from the league, which announced he suffered a right hand contusion.

LeBron James will not return to tonight's NBA All-Star Game due to a right hand contusion.

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 20, 2023

James, a three-time All-Star Game MVP, tweaked his pinky finger in the first half attempting to chase down and block a layup attempt from Raptors forward Pascal Siakam.

LeBron catches his pinky on the rim and is out of the All-Star game with an injury https://t.co/S2UBiJK4Vg

— Main Team (@MainTeamSports) February 20, 2023

The Lakers superstar ended the night with 13 points, a rebound and four assists in 14 minutes of action—a lower point total than James has scored in any regular season game this year.

With Los Angeles two games behind the Thunder for the Western Conference's final playoff spot, James insisted after the game that he did not believe the injury was serious.

"I'll be fine. I don't think it's too much to worry about."

LeBron on the hand injury he suffered during the All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/gAaTN3DL2x

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 20, 2023

Despite a late rally, James's eponymous All-Star team fell to Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo's squad 184–175, the first time James has lost an All-Star Game as a captain after entering with a 5–0 record. Perhaps that mark would have stayed unblemished had he been able to play the whole game.