Sunday night's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets had a little bit of everything: multiple lead changes, technical fouls, last-second heroics by LeBron James, and an injury by a fan who was just trying to garner 15 seconds of fame and win some cash.
The fan took part in a promotion that could have netted him a cool $55,000 if he successfully made a shot from half-court. Not only did the fan miss, but he appeared to injure himself on the attempt. The shot just missed to the left of the rim. As the fan tried to stop his momentum, he crumpled to the ground, clutching his right leg. He was unable to get up and finish the contest, which also included a three-point shot as a consolation prize.
No way this Lakers fan injured himself on the halfcourt shot ?? pic.twitter.com/hhWz6Wxy8y
— KingCharge (@KingCharge) November 20, 2023
Some observers believed the contestant was faking an injury as an excuse for missing the shot, but it quickly became obvious he was in pain. He did get his 15 seconds of fame, but probably not the way he wanted, as his mishap ignited plenty of jokes as his expense.
"Lakers early-season injuries really piling up," one fan wrote. "In all seriousness, we wish the fan a speedy recovery."
This dude really hurt his achilleanklebacknee https://t.co/8uQmI6h4nE
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) November 20, 2023
"This dude really hurt his achilleanklebacknee," another wrote.
The Lakers ended up winning the game 105-104. LeBron James not only made a free throw with 1.9 seconds left to ice the game, but finished with a season-high 37 points on the night. James accomplished two milestones with that performance. He now has 109 games with 30 or more points as a Laker, and also passed Lakers legend Kobe Bryant with 237 games of 35 or more points in his career. That ranks James third all-time behind Wilt Chamberlain (381) and Michael Jordan (333).
There is no update on the fan's injury status at the time of this writing, but hopefully he will make a speedy recovery. Maybe he should rethink his pregame warmup routine next time.
