Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James Reveals the Truth About the Knee Injury He Sustained in the 2025 NBA Playoffs 4 Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James Reveals the Truth About the Knee Injury He Sustained in the 2025 NBA Playoffs

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated May 9, 2025 8:15 AM ET

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.

Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James Reveals the Truth About the Knee Injury He Sustained in the 2025 NBA Playoffs 2 Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) meets with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) following game five of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“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.

Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James' Intriguing Response to Retirement Question After Game 5 Will Have Fans Curious 4 Mar 31, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

“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.