LeBron James has captained the United States to an undefeated record and semifinal berth at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Team USA is set to take on Serbia on Thursday with a trip to the gold medal match on the line, and James will have to play through an injury to make it happen.
Luckily, James isn’t dealing with an ailment that would impair his speed, athleticism or endurance. He was struck in the face in the United States’ quarterfinal game against Brazil, leaving a mark above his left eye.
What happened to James’ eye and how serious is the injury? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.
What happened to LeBron James’ eye?
James was on pace for a United States record-breaking game against Brazil in the quarterfinals. He had 12 points, nine assists, three rebounds and three steals through three quarters of a blowout win. He was only four assists shy of setting a Team USA single-game record at the Olympics.
But incidental contact from Brazil forward Georginho De Paula forced James out of the game for good. James tried to contest Brazil’s efforts in transition and caught an elbow to his upper eye.
James was bleeding from his upper eye and went back to the locker room for the majority of the fourth quarter.
Head coach Steve Kerr revealed after the game that James received four stitches to seal the laceration.
James was spotted at the U.S. women’s national team quarterfinal game the following day with a bandage covering his swollen eye.
There has not been any word on James’ availability vs. Serbia, but it’s safe to assume it will not keep him from playing for Team USA as it pursues its fifth consecutive gold medal at the Olympics.
