Skip Bayless slams Lakers' LeBron James after unexpected injury news

Apr 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) passes against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

LeBron James failed to secure his fifth NBA championship this season, as the Los Angeles Lakers lost in the first round of the playoffs.

After the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Lakers, the 21-time All-Star received unfortunate injury news. 

"Even if the Los Angeles Lakers had been able to extend their first-round series with a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Wednesday’s Game 5, they would have had their work cut out for the rest of the series– and the playoffs,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote last Friday. 

"An MRI on Thursday revealed that Lakers star LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee in the fourth quarter of Game 5. The injury entails a three-to-five-week recommended recovery timeline.”

While many hope James makes a speedy recovery, there’s one individual who’s skeptical of the four-time NBA champion’s sudden injury diagnosis. 

“Another LeBron playoff flameout," popular sports analyst Skip Bayless said Wednesday. "Followed by another leaked and planted excuse for said flameout. He and his inner circle just did it again.”

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“Rich Paul, you are the all-time greatest at excuse planting with key media members. Never seen anything quite like this."

Bayless, who previously worked for ESPN and FS1, has a long history of making bold statements about James and his performances on the hardwood. 

Typically, Bayless’ points are understandable, at the very least. This time, however, it seems the 70-year-old is reaching.

James, who averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists against the Timberwolves in the playoffs, may be flawed. Still, there’s no reason to suggest he’s attempting to take the easy way out after a crushing loss to conclude their season. 

Sometimes, players get unlucky and sustain injuries that require them to miss an extended period. 

James didn’t ask to endure a Grade 2 MCL Sprain and shouldn’t receive scrutiny for having to experience a semi-lengthy recovery period after his Lakers’ uneventful postseason.

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