NEW YORK, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest fell down a flight of stairs at his home on Christmas night, suffering head and left elbow injuries requiring stitches, the team announced Saturday.

    Hours after losing to Cleveland 102-87 and being fouling out with only 13 points on Friday Christmas game, Artest inflicted injuries from the stumble.

    Artest did not travel with the Lakers to Sacramento and was awaiting further medical examination to determine when he might return to the lineup.

    Artest averaged 12.3 points and 4.8 rebounds for the Lakers in his first season with the club following his Houston Rockets' departure.