Lakers’ LeBron James (calf contusion) to miss first game of season

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will miss Sunday’s home game against the Portland Trail Blazers because of a left calf contusion, the team announced.

This is the first missed match of the season for James, 38.

He was injured Friday in the 122-119 tournament win over the Phoenix Suns. It happened with 4:22 left in the first quarter, when James drove to the basket and took an unintentional hit from Kevin Durant’s knee to his left shin. James gathered on the baseline before receiving treatment on the bench.

After the match, James was seen walking with a slight limp and he told reporters his shin was sore. The Lakers (4-5) initially listed James as questionable for Sunday’s game before downgrading him hours before the announcement.

James is averaging a team-high 25.2 points, along with 8.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists in his 21st NBA campaign.