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LeBron James Sends Savannah James Message After Unexpected News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 5, 2025 4:43 PM ET

LeBron James' 2024-25 NBA season concluded with a setback, as he sustained a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during Game 5 of the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter following a collision with Donte DiVincenzo.

Despite briefly returning to the game, James was visibly limping post-game, and an MRI later confirmed the severity of the sprain, which typically requires a recovery period of three to five weeks. While the injury will seemingly impact the beginning of James' offseason training, it will also impact his moves off the court as well.

On Monday, James announced via X that he would not attend the 2025 Met Gala due to his injury:

"Unfortunately because of my knee injury I sustained at the end of the season I won’t be able to attend the Met Gala in NY tonight as so many people have been asking and congratulating me on! Hate to miss an historical event! My beautiful powerful Queen will be there holding the castle down as she always has done!"

James' announcement generated a flurry of reactions on social media. Among them, Lakers reporter Dan Woike humorously noted, "LeBron James downgraded to out for Met Gala."

James responded with equal levity: "Hahaha!! Savannah will be replacing me in the starting line up!"

Hahaha!! Savannah will be replacing me in the starting line up!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 5, 2025

While the news of James' injury already caught many by surprise, it was even more unexpected that it was severe enough to hold him out of the Met Gala. But as he emphasized on X, his wife will be there for him.

As James focuses on his recovery, the Lakers and fans alike await updates on his rehabilitation progress. The team anticipates his return to full health ahead of the next season, where he is expected to continue his impactful presence both on and off the court.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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