Lakers' LeBron James (calf) to miss first game this season vs. Blazers

Field Level Media|published: Sun 12th November, 17:50 2023

Nov 10, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives against Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (0) in the first half at Footprint Center. credits: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles star LeBron James will miss his first game of the season on Sunday night against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers because of a left calf contusion, the team announced.

James was injured during the first quarter of Friday's 122-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns. He was hit by the knee of the Suns' Kevin Durant while driving to the hoop.

James played 36 minutes in the contest and had 32 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. But afterward, he admitted that the leg was very sore. He was listed as questionable Saturday before being ruled out on Sunday.

James, 38, is averaging 25.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists in nine games this season for Los Angeles (4-5).

—Field Level Media