LAS VEGAS (AFP) - Indiana Pacers star Paul George suffered an apparently severe lower right leg injury on Friday in a United States intra-squad scrimmage in preparation for the Basketball World Cup.

The injury was bad enough that the exhibition at the Thomas and Mack Center was immediately halted and George was quickly hospitalized.

George landed and his leg buckled near the basket stanchion after he fouled James Harden on a drive to the basket early in the fourth quarter.

Harden immediately doubled over in shock upon seeing the injury and medical personnel, US coach Mike Krzyzewski and members of George's family attending the game moved to comfort him.

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo did not immediately confirm the exact nature of the injury, but just said the organization's only concern at the moment was for the player.