Following the Los Angeles Lakers‘ first-round elimination this year, it was revealed that LeBron James would not have returned to the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee. In the latest episode of the ‘Mind the Game’ podcast, James opened up on the injury and explained how it was unlike anything he’d experienced before.
“In my 22-year career, this is my first knee injury,” said James. “As soon as the impact happened, my knee locked up, and that’s why 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. When I was running back to close out, and he collided into me, my knee bent inward, and that’s the MCL injury that I have. 4-6 weeks, the docs told me. I have 4-6 weeks now, that’s the benefit of not going on in the postseason. Unfortunately, even if we won Game 5 at home, I would have missed six and seven. But I have some time to get it right and get back to my full strength.”
To date, LeBron James has never missed a playoff game, and that’s with over 20 years of experience. Having played through various injuries and illnesses, James is willing to endure major discomfort so he can be available for his team. So, when he says that he would have missed games six and seven of this series, it shows the true severity of his injury.
James, 40, had just finished another spectacular regular season when the 2025 playoffs began. In 70 games, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3% shooting. He and his new co-star, Luka Doncic, led the Lakers to the third seed in the West after winning 50 games.
Unfortunately, whatever momentum the Lakers had going into the first round completely evaporated after Game 1, which was a blowout for the Timberwolves. While the Lakers managed to respond with a win in Game 2, they fell behind in the series and were facing elimination at home in Game 5.
The Lakers put up a valiant effort in the final battle, but they lost the game with James scoring 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists on 42.9% shooting. He played 40 minutes that night, but he wasn’t 100% after a collision with Donte DiVincenzo compromised his knee.
James later revealed that the injury would have cost him the series, and that even if the Lakers managed to win Game 5, he would have been unable to play. At this stage of his career, James cannot afford to be risky with his health, and the Lakers will not let him play through pain if it has a chance to negatively impact his performance later.
At least now, with the Lakers eliminated, James can take his time to let the injury heal, and then he can fall into his usual offseason routine in preparation for next season. Now that he’s got a full offseason with Luka Doncic, James can maximize their partnership and elevate the Lakers to a greater state of contention in the West.
