LeBron James suffered MCL sprain in Lakers’ playoff elimination loss

The Lakers would likely have been without LeBron James if they had staved off elimination by the Timberwolves on Wednesday night. 

James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee late in Game 5, according to ESPN.

The injury would have likely sidelined him for three to five weeks, per the outlet, taking him out for not just the rest of the Minnesota series but perhaps the rest of a potential run through the Western Conference playoffs. 

LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half in Game 5 of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

ESPN reported that the injury occurred with 8:39 left in the fourth quarter when James collided with Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo, who was called for an offensive foul on the play.

James fell to the floor and left the game, returning a little over a minute of game time later and playing the remainder of the contest. 

The outlet added that James’ 292 playoff games played streak would have “assuredly” ended if the Lakers pushed the series to a Game 6. 

LeBron James (23) moves to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30). IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

James recorded 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the 103-96 loss.

After the game, James, 40, was mum about potential retirement plans.

“I don’t have the answer to that,” James said when asked after the Lakers’ elimination how long he will continue to play basketball. “Something I’ll sit down with my wife and my support group and kind of just talk through it, and see what happens. Just have conversations with myself on how long I want to continue to play. I don’t know the answer to that right now, to be honest.”

James has a $52.6 million player option for next season, and The Athletic reported Friday that he’s not expected to take a pay cut similar to the $2.7 million one he took this season.