James hurt as Lakers lose to Hawks
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James left in the second quarter with a high right ankle sprain that the Lakers said will sideline him indefinitely, and Los Angeles went on to fall 99-94 to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
Two hours after the game, the Lakers announced that James is out indefinitely. The defending NBA champions already are 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.
“Nothing angers and saddens me more than not being available to and for my teammates!” James tweeted later Saturday. “I’m hurt inside and out right now. The road back from recovery begins now. Back soon like I never left.”
James was hurt when he rolled his ankle under Solomon Hill, who was called for a foul as he reached awkwardly for a steal. The 36-year-old superstar screamed and fell to the court clutching at his ankle, yet he got up and briefly stayed in the game.
After the injury, James hit a corner 3-pointer that extended his NBA-record streak of games with at least 10 points to 1,036, but he called a timeout and left the court shortly afterward. James knocked over a chair in frustration as he went to the locker room.
John Collins had 27 points and a season-high 16 rebounds.
BUCKS 120, SPURS 113
In Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 26 points and 15 assists, and Donte DiVincenzo had 12 points and 13 rebounds for Milwaukee. Lonnie Walker IV scored a career-high 31 points for San Antonio, and DeMar DeRozan added 22 points and 13 assists.
76ERS 129, KINGS 105
In Philadelphia, Tobias Harris scored 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as Eastern Conferenceleading Philadelphia, playing without three starters, raced to a 42-21 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. Buddy Hield led Sacramento with 25 points.
CLIPPERS 125, HORNETS 98
Paul George had 21 points and nine assists, Kawhi Leonard added 17 points and Los Angeles beat visiting Charlotte.
Mikal Bridges led the Hornets with 21 points. Gordon Hayward had 17 points.
GRIZZLIES 111 WARRIORS 103
Jonas Valunciunas and Dillon Brooks each scored 19 points and Memphis beat the Warriors at home.
Jordan Poole scored 26 points for the Warriors.