Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James sustained a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to a report from ESPN on Friday.
The Timberwolves clinched the series on Wednesday with a 103-96 win, eliminating the Lakers. Had the Lakers forced a Game 6, James would have likely missed the remainder of the series due to the injury, which typically requires a recovery period of three to five weeks.
The injury occurred in the fourth quarter when Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo collided with James while setting a moving screen. James exited the game for evaluation but returned to the floor with just over seven minutes left.
At 40, James had an impressive regular season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists over 70 games—ranking within the top 22 players in all three categories.
He holds a $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, and ESPN reports that the Lakers anticipate his return for at least one more year, which would mark his eighth season with the franchise.
A 21-time All-Star and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 42,184 points, James is also a four-time MVP and four-time champion.