The Los Angeles Lakers’ early playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves may have sealed more than just the end of their 2025 postseason run—it revealed the hidden toll on LeBron James, who later disclosed a significant knee injury that would have sidelined him regardless of the Game 5 outcome.
Appearing on the Mind the Game podcast, James explained the severity of the MCL injury he suffered during that final game at Crypto.com Arena.
“I knew as soon as the impact happened with me and [Donte] DiVincenzo—I felt it right away,” James said. “My knee locked up, and that’s why I stayed on the ground for quite a minute to see if the knee would kind of release a little bit. But I knew right there it was a pain that I haven’t felt before.”
James described the moment in which his knee buckled inward, confirming a diagnosis that came with a projected four-to-six week recovery timeline.
“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,” James continued. “Four to six weeks, the doctor told me. I have four to six weeks now—that’s the benefit of not going on in the postseason. I wish I was still going, but unfortunately, even if we had won Game 5, I would have probably missed Games 6 and 7, and even further.”
Even with Luka Dončić by his side, James was the emotional and strategic anchor of this Lakers squad—both offensively and defensively. His absence down the stretch would have been deeply felt, and the outcome of the series likely wouldn’t have shifted much.
Los Angeles failed to win a single game on the road in Minnesota, and returning there for a potential Game 6 would have presented a daunting challenge even with James healthy. Without him, it might have merely delayed the inevitable.
LeBron James’s Future With The Los Angeles Lakers
Despite being the NBA’s oldest active player at 40, James remained remarkably effective throughout the 2024–25 season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in the regular season. He elevated those numbers in the postseason, posting 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game in the Timberwolves series—proof of just how vital he remains.
As the Lakers face a long offseason, James’ recovery becomes a key storyline. If he returns, the potential remains to build around the LeBron-Dončić duo—one of the most dynamic tandems in basketball. A full season under head coach JJ Redick’s evolving leadership could finally unlock the Lakers’ deeper potential.
For now, the focus shifts to healing. Whether James decides to exercise his $52.6 million player option or not, one thing is clear: an MCL injury won’t be the footnote—it’s a pivotal chapter in what could be the final stretch of a legendary career.