LeBron James sends two-word message for Jayson Tatum after non-contact injury in Boston Celtics Game 4 loss to New York Knicks

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has recently reacted to the devastating Jayson Tatum injury. A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Boston after star forward Tatum suffered what appeared to be a serious lower-leg injury in the closing minutes of Game 4 against the New York Knicks. The Celtics dropped the game 121-113 at Madison Square Garden, but with that loss, they may have also lost their franchise cornerstone, just as the team faces elimination in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.Jayson Tatum’s non-contact injury occurred during a fast-paced scramble for a loose ball late in the fourth quarter. Tatum suddenly collapsed, clutching his right ankle in visible agony. He remained on the floor as Celtics trainers rushed over, and moments later, he was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair, unable to put any weight on his leg.While the full extent of the injury remains unclear, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed that Tatum would undergo an MRI on Tuesday. His status for Game 5 is uncertain, and his absence could be the final blow to Boston’s fading postseason hopes, with the team now trailing the Knicks 3-1 in the series.LeBron James was among the first to send well wishes. Taking to X, he posted simply: "Big Deuce," a heartfelt nod to Tatum’s nickname. The two have gone head-to-head in some memorable playoff battles, and James’ message shows the mutual respect between NBA stars, even across team lines.Tatum’s teammates were shaken following the game. Al Horford, a veteran presence in Boston’s locker room, expressed concern beyond the scoreboard: “The loss is the loss. More importantly it’s just Tatum that I’m worried about… Just making sure I’m here for him. That’s my priority.”Jaylen Brown, often Tatum’s co-leader on the court, struggled to put his emotions into words. “It’s tough. Not really a lot to say,” he said.Players across the league joined in to show support. Knicks star Jalen Brunson, despite celebrating a huge win for his own team, began his postgame remarks with a genuine message: “Prayers out to JT, man. I just wanted to say that, first and foremost.” His teammates echoed the sentiment. Minnesota Timberwolves’ big man Karl-Anthony Towns, who witnessed the moment courtside, offered an emotional reflection, “I just walked up, obviously respectful of his space. I just put my head down and prayed to my mother, prayed to God to put protection over him and comfort, whatever the injury may be. I hope it’s minor.”Also Read: Jayson Tatum sustains non contact injury during Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Game 4As the Celtics prepare for a do-or-die Game 5 on Wednesday, the basketball world will keep a close eye on Tatum’s diagnosis.