LeBron James returns after brief injury scare

Christmas isn't ruined, after all.

The basketball world almost came to a halt Thursday, as LeBron James appeared to injure his left leg in his return to Miami. The Cleveland Cavaliers' superstar jumped into the crowd trying to reel in an overshot outlet pass in the third quarter, staying in the game momentarily before asking out and limping to the locker room.

The Cavaliers initially declined to provide an update on what James was evaluated for while in the locker room, but he made his way back to the bench in short order.

Shortly after, the team said he was dealing with left leg tightness, and that he would return in the fourth quarter. He was on the court as the fourth quarter began. So everyone breathe easy and thank Santa Claus, or whoever, for out-witting the injury gods in this case.

James is making his first visit to Miami after leaving for a return to Cleveland this summer. He was well-received during introductions and was given a raucous ovation after the Heat played a video tribute to him.