Lakers’ LeBron James reportedly suffered MCL sprain in playoff ouster

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James sustained a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, ESPN reported on Friday.

The Timberwolves ended that series in that game on Wednesday, courtesy of a 103-96 victory. Had the Lakers staved off elimination in that contest, the injury likely would have kept James off the court for three to five weeks.

James was injured after Minnesota guard Donte DiVincenzo collided with the former’s knee while setting a moving screen with 8:39 remaining in the fourth quarter. James immediately left the game and had his knee examined before returning to the contest with 7:23 to play.

James, 40, averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 70 games in 2024-25 to rank in the top 22 in each category.

His contract includes a $52.6m player option for next season and ESPN reported Thursday that the Lakers expect him to play “at least another NBA season.” It would be his eighth with the Lakers.

A 21-time All-Star, four-time league MVP and four-time NBA champion, James is the league’s all-time leading scorer with 42,184 points.