LeBron James was hampered in elimination game by MCL sprain: Report

Modified May 02, 2025 18:14 GMT

NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn — LeBron James reportedly suffered an MCL sprain late in the LA Lakers' Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves (Image credit: Imagn)

Late in LeBron James and the LA Lakers' Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron James banged knees with Donte DiVincenzo. Immediately, James fell to the ground, grabbing at his leg. Moments later, he was seen going back to the locker room.

While he wound up returning to action, James reportedly suffered a sprained MCL in the collision, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, who broke the news to fans via X, formerly known as Twitter.

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As McMenamin reported in a follow-up, had LA managed to get the win on Wednesday, the team would've wound up playing without James in Game 6.

About the author

Evan Bell is a journalist specializing in the NBA and NHL at Sportskeeda, whose love for the game stems from a childhood spent watching the Chicago Bulls. He has been there through their highs and lows, from the Jordan era to the exciting Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah years.

Evan finds the 82-game season and the intensity of playoff basketball exhilarating, and he also revels in the offseason drama. Phil Jackson stands out as his favorite coach, whom he admires for his composed leadership and success in managing dynamic personalities like Dennis Rodman.

To deliver top-quality content, Evan fact-checks information while diligently keeping up with the action year-round.

When he's not writing, Evan follows tennis and Greek football, and also plays basketball and tennis.

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Edited by Evan Bell