League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Injuries

LeBron James laughs as teammate Ariel Hukporti leaves game injured

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 6, 2026, 6:51 AM

Last updated Oct 6, 2026

LeBron James laughs as teammate Ariel Hukporti leaves game injured

Summary

During the Philadelphia 76ers' preseason opener against the New York Knicks on October 6, 2026, Ariel Hukporti was helped off the court after sustaining a calf injury. Hukporti, a former Knicks player, received assistance from his former teammate, Karl-Anthony Towns. As this occurred, LeBron James, who did not play in the game, was spotted laughing, which raised questions among fans regarding his reaction to the situation. Fans praised Towns for his sportsmanship in aiding Hukporti, while some criticized James for his demeanor at the moment.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Ariel Hukporti left the Knicks for the 76ers prior to the game.
•Hukporti sustained a calf injury during the match.
•Karl-Anthony Towns helped Hukporti off the court.
•LeBron James was seen laughing during the incident.
•Fans reacted with mixed emotions about James' response.

Latest Updates

6:51 AMYahoo Sports — NBA fans ‘having a field day’ seeing LeBron James laugh as Karl-Anthony Towns helps Ariel Hukporti

What they're saying

"
Ariel Hukporti, who left the New York Knicks to join the Philadelphia 76ers, had to be helped off the court after sustaining a serious injury. Hukporti seemed to sustain a calf injury during the 76ers’ preseason opener against the Knicks and had to be helped off the court.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers NBA Basketball