LeBron James Injured in Lakers’ Playoff Exit Against Timberwolves
Even if the Los Angeles Lakers had managed to force a Game 6 in their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, they would have faced a big setback.
Lakers star LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during the fourth quarter of Wednesday night’s Game 5, a league source told ESPN on Friday. The injury was confirmed after an MRI scan on Thursday.
The injury is expected to keep the 40-year-old out for three to five weeks.
The incident happened with 8 minutes and 39 seconds left in the game when Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo collided with James’ left knee while setting a moving screen. DiVincenzo was called for an offensive foul.
James went down in pain and briefly left the game to be checked by his longtime trainer, Mike Mancias. He returned to the court with just over seven minutes remaining and played the rest of the match, which the Lakers lost 103-96 — ending their playoff run.
James has now played in a record 292 NBA playoff games without missing one due to injury. However, if Game 6 had taken place in Minneapolis on Friday night, that streak likely would have ended.
