LeBron James rushed to the locker room after a brutal shot to the face during the Paris Olympics, as the US star was seen wincing in pain

LEBRON James had to leave his Paris Olympics quarter-final clash with Brazil after taking a nasty elbow to the face.

Team USA scored a dominant 122-87 victory to earn a spot in the semifinals on Tuesday.

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But it was a rather unpleasant night in Paris for James, 39, who grimaced in pain after the blow sent him to the ground midway through the third quarter.

The incident occurred when the Los Angeles Lakers star was trying to defend the basket with Brazil attacking the court in transition.

He then took an elbow from point guard Georginho De Paula, who deflected in Leo Meindl’s missed layup.

Team USA’s athletic trainer tended to the four-time NBA champion, who winced as he covered his eye.

Joel Embiid also came to check on James before helping the 6-foot-1 forward.

TV cameras later showed the 20-time All-Star still uncomfortable and holding a towel over his eyes on the bench.

Reporters stated that LeBron went to the locker room for a check-up after shooting.

He would never return to the court with the Americans maintaining a secure double-digit lead until the end.

However, James apparently signaled he was fine upon returning from the locker room.

As LeBron’s chants rang out from the stands, he waved to the crowd before pretending to place a crown on his head in a signature gesture referencing his nickname King James.

The NBA legend finished the match with 12 points, nine assists, three rebounds and three steals.

Devin Booker led Team USA in scoring with 18 points, along with three assists and three rebounds.

Meanwhile, Brazilian Bruno Caboclo scored 30 points by recording six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.

Kevin Durant achieved a huge career milestone during the game.

The Phoenix Suns star recorded 11 points off the bench, becoming USA Basketball’s all-time leading scorer at the Olympics.

WNBA legend Lisa Leslie has held the record since the 2004 Athens Games.

Team USA will face Serbia for a place in the final on Thursday.

Meanwhile, France will face Germany in the other semi-final, in a rematch of the group game.

The host country defeated the 2023 FIBA ​​World Cup champions 85-71 to close out play in Group B last week.

The men’s basketball final will take place on Saturday.