The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025 postseason dreams came to a crashing end on Wednesday night, as the third-seeded squad fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 4-1 series defeat. While the team’s elimination was disappointing, the loss was even more painful due to a late-game injury to veteran superstar LeBron James.
In the closing minutes of Game 5, with just over eight minutes remaining, James collided with Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo while hustling back on defense. DiVincenzo was assessed an offensive foul. But the damage was already done.
James collapsed to the floor, visibly writhing in pain. He remained on the ground for an extended moment before being helped off the court.
The injury not only took him out of the game but potentially sidelined him well beyond the postseason. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the 40-year-old forward suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee.
“LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee from his collision with Donte DiVincenzo in Wednesday’s Game 5. The injury entails a 3-5 week recovery timeline,” McMenamin reported.
Story filed to https://t.co/oAsD1rYqjW: LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee from his collision with Donte DiVincenzo in Wednesday’s Game 5, a league source told ESPN. The injury entails a 3-5 week recovery timeline.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 2, 2025
Before the injury occurred, James put forth a determined effort. He logged 40 minutes of action, scored 22 points, dished out six assists, and grabbed seven rebounds. But his performance wasn’t enough to lift the Lakers past the Timberwolves, who held on to win 103-96 and close out the series.
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Fans Question LeBron James’ Injury Timing And Intentions
While news of LeBron James’ injury sparked concern from some, others on social media expressed skepticism and frustration. Many fans accused the Lakers star of using the injury as an excuse for the team’s early playoff exit.
“Yeah, right. We are not falling for this fake injury to drive the narrative. The story is that LeBron was eliminated by a lower seeded team in 5 games,” one fan commented.
Yeah, right. We are not falling for this fake injury to drive the narrative. The story is that Lebron was eliminated by a lower seeded team in 5 games.
— The Best Ball Junkie (@BestBallJunkie) May 2, 2025
Another simply wrote, “LeFraud.”
LeFraud
— Ollie (@Olliezt31) May 2, 2025
“As usual there’s always an excuse every time he chokes,” one fan called out.
As usual theres always an excuse everytime he chokes
— Thetruth (@Thetruth8240) May 2, 2025
“Ah, the injury excuse after the retirement conversation, tale as old as time,” another comment read.
Ah the injury excuse after the retirement conversation, tale as old as time
— APHoops (@APH00PS) May 2, 2025
Even one supporter expressed disappointment, writing, “I love Bron but c’mon man, why is he making excuses?!?”
I love bron but cmon man why is he making excuses ?!?🤦🏾♂️
— Rob (@RobKnowsBa11) May 2, 2025
Had the Lakers pushed the series to a Game 6, James reportedly would have been unavailable to play. The injury and playoff exit have again sparked conversations about the retirement of the four-time title winner’s legendary career.
Also Read: REPORT: LeBron James Might Leave The Los Angeles Lakers
