LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are playing on the second night of a back-to-back set on Friday night. 

On Thursday, the Lakers suffered a tough loss against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, 123-116, and they were looking to get back to winning ways on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Unfortunately for James, the NBA‘s all-time leading scorer sustained a painful-looking thumb injury in the first half. The Lakers star got his right thumb caught in the ring as he attempted to block Jose Alvarado’s lay-up. 

A slow-mo replay of the play in question is currently making its rounds on social media. 

James, who is also nursing a groin issue, had the hand looked at by the medical team at the bench during the next dead ball, and they decided to tape it up. The good news, however, is that the 40-year-old was able to remain in the game after the minor injury. 

The Lakers can’t afford to lose James at this point in the season. Entering Friday’s game against the Pelicans, L.A. is fourth in the West with a 46-30 record. They are half a game behind the No. 3 seed Denver Nuggets, who are also in action against the fifth-placed Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry

© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Lakers will likely provide an update on James’ thumb after the game, but it seems that the 21-time All-Star has dodged a significant injury here.