Watch: LeBron James hits D’Angelo Russell in groin with pass

Russell attempted to steal a pass from James to Iman Shumpert but was drilled in the groin.

A pass by LeBron James hit Los Angeles Lakers rookie D’Angelo Russell below the belt in the third quarter of Wednesday night’s game at Quicken Loans Arena.

Russell attempted to steal a pass from James to Iman Shumpert but could not react fast enough before being drilled in the groin.

Russell was on the ground for a few seconds before being assisted by teammates.

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Kobe Bryant laughed at the rookie on the sidelines but gave him a pat on the back.

Russell continued to play and finished the night with 15 points, three assists and two rebounds.

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Cleveland came away with the 120–111 victory and improved to 38–14 while L.A. fell to 11–44.