In a rather concerning injury update, the New Orleans Pelicans revealed that guard CJ McCollum has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung.

According to the medical report released by the Pelicans, McCollum underwent imaging on Sunday morning, which revealed a “small pneumothorax” in his right lung. The team didn't provide additional information about his recovery period and treatment, only noting that McCollum will be evaluated in the next two days before they release more information about his condition.

“The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that guard CJ McCollum has been diagnosed with small pneumothorax in his right lung after medical imaging was taken this morning. Additional examination will be performed in the next 48 hours to determine the progress of healing. More information will be provided following examination,” the Pelicans said.

What is a pneumothorax?

Pelicans' CJ McCollum with first aid kit. Zion Williamson with mind-blown head

It is certainly a worrisome update for the Pelicans and CJ McCollum. After all, a pneumothorax is a concerning health condition that could limit McCollum from playing basketball for some time.

A pneumothorax is described as a collapsed lung that “occurs when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall,” per Mayo Clinic. Depending on the severity of the issue, it could also post dangers to one's life.

“This air pushes on the outside of your lung and makes it collapse. A pneumothorax can be a complete lung collapse or a collapse of only a portion of the lung,” Mayo Clinic furthered.

“A pneumothorax can be caused by a blunt or penetrating chest injury, certain medical procedures, or damage from underlying lung disease. Or it may occur for no obvious reason. Symptoms usually include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. On some occasions, a collapsed lung can be a life-threatening event.”

The Pelicans did note that McCollum's pneumothorax is small, so one can assume that it isn't severe. However, until more details about his condition have been revealed, the New Orleans fan base has every reason to worry.

CJ McCollum speaks out

For what it's worth, though, McCollum appears to be in a good space mentally despite the latest injury update.

After news of his condition was revealed, the Pelicans star reposted a graphic on X (formerly Twitter) showing him pumping his chest along with the update about his collapsed right lung. McCollum couldn't help but laugh at it considering the nature of his injury, writing: “This  is an insane pic to post with the news.”

McCollum has yet to address the condition himself, but it definitely doesn't look like that he's bothered by it. Perhaps after his evaluation in the next 48 hours and when there is more information about his condition, he and the Pelicans will directly speak on the matter.

Hopefully, though, CJ McCollum will be able to recover sooner rather than later. Basketball aside, no one wants to see an athlete like McCollum suffer such life-threatening condition.

McCollum was still able to play on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks, so his injury diagnosis definitely came as a massive surprise. He's also having a big season with the Pelicans, averaging 21.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game–all while shooting 44.0 percent from the field and 38.0 percent from deep.

Just recently as  well, McCollum came up huge for New Orleans when he fueled their 22-point comeback win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.