Had the Los Angeles Lakers extended their season Wednesday night, the team would have continued its postseason run without its best player. Superstar LeBron James reportedly sustained a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during the contest, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
The injury is expected to require roughly three-to-five weeks of recovery. Had the Lakers reached Game 6 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, James would have been unable to play, ending a record streak in which the Lakers’ star played in 292 straight playoff games.
The injury occurred with a little over eight minutes to play during the Lakers’ 103-96 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 5. While attempting to get back in the right defensive position, James ran into Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo and crumpled to the floor.
James received criticism for his reaction, as some fans accused the Lakers star of flopping after running into DiVincenzo — who is listed as five inches shorter and nearly 50 pounds lighter than James.
James immediately clutched his knee and needed some time before he was helped off the floor. He briefly left the contest, but was able to return to the court down the stretch.
The loss eliminated the Lakers from the postseason.
Following the contest, James said he wasn’t ready to make a decision about his future. It’s unclear if James knew the extent of his knee injury when he made those comments.
James, 40, still played at a high level during the season and can opt into a one-year, $52.2 million deal to remain with the Lakers next year.
This story will be updated.
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