James Harden Injury: Thunder Guard Will Not Return After Metta World Peace Elbow

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 22: James Harden #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 22, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

James Harden will not return to Oklahoma City's showdown against the Lakers after Metta World Peace's elbow to the neck.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden will not return to Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

After he was crumpled by a Metta World Peace elbow to the neck in the first half of the Thunder's matchup with the Lakers, Harden headed to the locker room to undergo testing. Harden would return to the court in the second half, but in an on-air report, ESPN's Lisa Salters reported that Thunder GM Sam Presti said Harden passed his first round of concussion testing, but was re-evaluated on the sideline before the decision to hold him out of the rest of the game was reached.

Harden played 13 minutes in the first half for the Thunder, and scored 14 points in his action for the day. He averages nearly 17 points, nearly four assists, and just more than four rebounds per game for Oklahoma City, and is one of the leading candidates for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award.

It is unclear whether Harden will miss extended playing time with his injury.

For more on Metta World Peace and the Lakers, visit Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation LA. For more on Harden and the Thunder, head over to Welcome to Loud City. Be sure to stick with SB Nation NBA for the latest on the fallout from Sunday's incident as it becomes available.