The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the postseason by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first-round, lasting just five games before they were unceremoniously sent home. The season was significantly underwhelming as many expected the franchise to make a deep postseason run following the midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic.
While they suffered a 103-96 loss in Game 5, it has since been reported that LeBron James may not have been able to take the court if the series continued. The four-time NBA MVP suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in the fourth quarter. Although he finished the game, he was spotted needing help to walk afterwards.
James provided an update on his injury during the latest episode of his podcast, "Mind the Game". Legion Hoops shared his comments to X on Thursday.
"LeBron on his MCL sprain: 'In my 22-year career, this is my first knee injury…," Legion Hoops tweeted Thursday. "As soon as the impact happened... my knee locked up, and I stayed on the ground for quite a minute to see if the knee would release a little bit. But I knew right then and there it was a pain that I hadn't felt before.” (via @mindthegamepod)"
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James later revealed that he was unable to get out of bed the next morning. The injury reportedly has a 4-6 week timeline for recovery so it is unclear how the superstar would have proceeded -- provided that the Lakers were able to advance.
The four-time NBA champion continued to play at a high level in his 22nd season in the league. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.3% from the field, 37.6% from three-point range and 78.2% from the free-throw line.
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