Overview

• LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain during Game 5 of the Lakers' first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, requiring 3–5 weeks of recovery.
• The injury ended the Lakers' season and would have snapped James' NBA-record 292-game playoff appearance streak if the team had advanced to Game 6.
• James holds a $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season and is reportedly unlikely to take a significant pay cut to aid the Lakers' roster flexibility.
• Speculation has emerged about James potentially leaving the Lakers, with rumors linking him to the Golden State Warriors to join Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
• Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has emphasized the need to acquire a defensive-minded center to address roster weaknesses and meet James' high expectations for the team.