Bill Maher is injured after NBA participant crashes into his courtside seat at Lakers recreation

Sitting courtside at an NBA game comes with the risk that you may get too close to the action. Political commentator Bill Maher learned that the hard way.

In a Sunday afternoon game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Maher sat near the floor for a matchup between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers.

During the game, Lakers guard Marcus Smart fought for a loose ball and crashed into Maher off the court.

Smart and Maher both appeared to be injured, with the television host showing off an injured finger to the ESPN broadcast.

Meanwhile, Smart seemed to have hurt his left hand. After missing a corner 3-point shot, the veteran guard was seen favoring his injured appendage.

When Smart checked out of the game moments later, he continued to appear injured. But he eventually returned to play the remainder of the contest.

Political commentator Bill Maher shows off his injured finger after a collision at an NBA game

Lakers guard Marcus Smart crashed into Maher – leaving both of them with injuries

Maher’s injury did not appear to be severe as he continued to sit courtside for the rest of the game.

The Lakers ended up outlasting the Knicks 110-97 in a strong performance that marks the fourth time this season they held an opponent to under 100 points. 

Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 35 points, eight rebounds and four assists on a night without LeBron James in the lineup.

As for the injured Smart, he shot 1-for-10 and 0-for-5 from 3-point range, tallying just five points, four assists and two steals.