LeBron James got multiple stitches after blow to head in Olympic quarterfinal, per Steve Kerr

After taking an inadvertent elbow to the head late in a win over Brazil in the Olympic men’s basketball tournament for the United States, veteran forward LeBron James apparently required stitches, according to head coach Steve Kerr. James left the game after play was halted when he was struck.

James ultimately got four stitches over his left eye, Kerr confirmed. Pictures showed James’ face was bloodied after an errant elbow struck around his orbital on a play at the rim. James ultimately did not return to the game, which was already well in hand when he check out late in the second half.

James immediately fell to the ground holding his eye when the injury occurred. However, after the team trainer checked him out on the bench, James appeared fine.

At the time of his injury, James boasted 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists while shooting 5-6 from the field.

The United States won and advanced to the semifinals to face Serbia, which the U.S. defeated by 26 points in pool play.

Dawn Staley calls Devin Booker ‘unsung hero’ of Team USA

There isn’t enough spotlight for every player on Team USA. After Team USA’s convincing 110-84 win over Serbia on Sunday, South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley praised Devin Booker for his ability to exceed in his role.

“Devin Booker is the unsung hero,” Staley said. “You know KD is gonna be KD. But, Devin Booker plays both sides of the ball, can score a whole lot of basketball points and also defend. He’s like the quiet assassin of that group.”

Without drawing too much attention, Booker tallied 12 points, three rebounds and five assists in the win over Serbia while shooting 4-5 from beyond the arc. Booker started on the star-studded team on Sunday but he’s willing to do whatever it takes for the team to succeed.

“Whatever it takes to be effective,” Booker said ahead of the Olympics. “Doing the extra stuff, offensive rebounding, defending at a high level, figuring out the spacing, just trying to be a glue guy.

“I hear everyone say that everyone is catching up to us. It keeps us hungry, it keeps us motivated… We still want to claim our dominance over the world.”

The 2024 Paris Olympics is Booker’s second appearance on the worldwide stage. Booker boosted Team USA to a Gold Medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as well, averaging 9.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.