The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of playing without both of their MVP-caliber superstars for a while.
LeBron James exited Saturday's game against the Atlanta Hawks in pain after going down in a heap, and according to the Lakers he might not be back anytime soon.
X-rays on James' right ankle were negative, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported, but the team later announced the four-time MVP was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain.
The injury will sideline The King "indefinitely," the Lakers added, meaning Los Angeles is faced with the prospect of forging ahead without James and eight-time All-Star center Anthony Davis, who hasn't played since Feb. 14 due to a calf strain.
The injury occurred early in the second quarter, when Hawks reserve forward Solomon Hill dove to the floor for a loose ball and appeared to land on the lower part of James' right leg, forcing his ankle to turn inward awkwardly.
James got up under his own power and stayed in the game initially -- even draining a corner three-point shot on the first possession when play resumed -- but he looked uncomfortable and later retreated to the locker room for further evaluation.
The 35-year-old future Hall of Famer is renowned for his stamina and propensity for avoiding injuries. He was limited to 55 games two years ago, however, in his first season in Los Angeles, due to a torn groin muscle.