LeBron James Suffers Scare After Hard Fall in Lakers-Nuggets Game

The Lakers star briefly received treatment on the bench but returned to the court.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 5:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

LeBron James had a scare in the fourth quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Denver Nuggets when he took a hard fall and immediately grasped at his elbow. James received treatment on the bench but returned to the court a couple minutes later, though the Nuggets went on to win the game 120-113.

Why it matters

LeBron James is one of the NBA's biggest stars, so any potential injury to him is closely watched by fans and the media. This incident highlights the physical toll of the NBA season and the importance of player health, especially for veteran superstars like James.

The details

James drove to the hoop and hit a layup with just over 4 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but he came down hard and immediately grabbed at his elbow. Jaxson Hayes subbed in for James as he received treatment from trainers on the bench. James returned to the court about 2 minutes later, with the Lakers trailing the Nuggets 112-111, but Denver held on to win 120-113.

  • The incident occurred with just over 4 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
  • James returned to the court about 2 minutes after receiving treatment on the bench.

The players

LeBron James

A 19-time NBA All-Star and 4-time NBA champion, considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Jaxson Hayes

A Lakers player who subbed in for James after he took the hard fall.

Denver Nuggets

The Lakers' opponent, who went on to win the game 120-113.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“elbow”

— LeBron James

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the physical toll the NBA season can take on even the league's biggest stars. While James was able to return to the game, any potential injury to a player of his caliber is closely watched by fans and the media.