The Los Angeles Lakers season came to an end at the expense of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Lakers won just one game, and now a long offseason is here for LA.
In Game 5, Luka Doncic left briefly with some back pain. On Friday, a new report surfaced that LeBron James also suffered a Grade 2 MCL strain, which more than likely would've sidelined him for Game 6.
Ultimately, both Doncic and James were able to finish the game, which was the final one of the year. Now, former NBA player Patrick Beverley accused Doncic of faking the injury in a recent episode of The Pat Bev podcast.
"I'm gonna tell y'all a little trick the NBA guys do," Beverley said. "Anytime a (expletive) lose, they like to play the hurt game, you're seeing it with the Lakers."
"Nah it's not your back. Easy way to go out, that's how you always know. All elimination games, someone's gotta go be hurt," Beverley continued.
Here's the play where Doncic suffered the injury before leaving briefly.
Luka Doncic had his low back go into hypertension which could be an issue in this game
He’s not walking well pic.twitter.com/NCvBiXJqUr
Now, Beverley spent quite some time in the NBA with various teams, so maybe he knows something the rest of us don't. Beverley also played with LeBron James on the Lakers before being traded.
On the other hand, Doncic did look to be in considerable pain before returning to the game.
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