When did basketball great and NBA legend LeBron James wear a mask?
LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, is no stranger to playing through injuries. However, during the 2014-2015 NBA season, James found himself wearing a mask during several games, leaving fans wondering what had happened.
The mask worn by James was a black carbon-fiber facemask that covered his nose and mouth, designed to protect his broken nose. The injury occurred during the Miami Heat’s match against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 20, 2014, when James was accidentally hit in the face by the elbow of Serge Ibaka. The impact left James with a nasal fracture that required surgery to repair.
After undergoing the surgery, James was fitted with a protective mask to wear during games. The mask not only protected his nose from further injury but also helped him breathe more easily during physical activity. Although James initially struggled with the mask, finding it uncomfortable and obstructive, he soon adjusted to it.
However, despite his best efforts, James’ injury continued to bother him throughout the remainder of the season. He missed several games and played through pain during others, but the mask allowed him to continue competing at a high level.
The use of a protective mask in basketball is not uncommon. In fact, several other NBA players have worn masks to protect facial injuries over the years.
Some of the biggest stars in the NBA have previously worn protective masks, including Kobe Bryant, Rip Hamilton, and Russell Westbrook. The masks themselves have even become somewhat of a fashion statement, with players customizing them with unique designs and colors.
In the case of James, the mask was a necessary accessory that allowed him to continue playing through a painful injury. While it may have looked unusual to fans at the time, James proved that he was willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win, even if it meant wearing a mask.
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