After losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers revealed that LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain after a collision with Donte DiVincenzo.
James hadn’t spoken about his knee injury since the Los Angeles Lakers’ season ended until his most recent Mind the Game podcast episode with former league MVP Steve Nash.
“I knew as soon as the impact happened with me and DiVincenzo, I felt it right away. My knee locked up and that’s when I kind of stayed on the ground for quite a minute to see if the knee would kind of release a little bit. But I knew right then and there it was a pain that I hadn’t felt before,” James detailed.
“I have four to six weeks now, that’s the benefit of not going on in the postseason. Obviously, I wish I was still going, but unfortunately, even if we had won Game 5 at home, I would’ve probably missed (Games) 6 and 7 and even further. I have some time, though. I have some time to get it right and get back to full strength as far as my knee goes,” he added.
Los Angeles Lakers News: LeBron James speaks up on JJ Redick’s decision to play only five men in the second half of Game 4
Many are still second-guessing JJ Redick’s decision to play only five men throughout the second half of Game 4. The Los Angeles Lakers had a double-digit lead at the end of the third period, but they collapsed and lost 116-113 before losing Game 5 at home.
“None of us questioned JJ and the coaching staff about what happened. Obviously, Gabe (Vincent) and Vando (Jarred Vanderbilt), guys who have given us so many great minutes, they definitely felt a way because they are competitors,” James explained.
“We all feel like we can get in and make a moment happen. JJ told us it wasn’t a decision that was based on guys not being able to do the job, it was a decision based on the feeling of the game and the momentum of the game,” he added.
