LeBron James limping after suffering MCL sprain in Game 5 does not convince fans: “Here we go with the Lexcuses”

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James struggled in Games 4 and 5 of the first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

LeBron James limping after suffering MCL sprain in Game 5 does not convince fans: “Here we go with the Lexcuses”

LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in Game 5 (Image via Firstsportz)

LeBron James, 40, played his 292nd playoff game yesterday. It was also the last game of his 22nd season in the NBA as the Los Angeles Lakers lost the first-round series to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Ahead of the series, fans and members of the media expected the men in purple and gold to win it. They believed the collective playoff experience, along with their ability to adapt to face any offensive and defensive schemes, would give them the edge.

It did not go as many expected, as the Minnesota Timberwolves exposed their lack of athleticism, physicality, and endurance. The endurance part hit the Lakers the most after head coach JJ Redick played James, Luka Doncic, and the rest of the Lakers’ starters the entire second half of Game 4.

That seemed to have an impact in the pivotal Game 5 as well. But injuries to Doncic held them back even more than they expected. Now ESPN’s Dave McMenamin revealed that the Slovenian’s 40-year-old teammate also suffered a serious injury.

LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee from his collision with Donte DiVincenzo in Wednesday’s Game 5, a league source told ESPN. The injury entails a 3-5 week recovery timeline.

Dave McMenamin revealed on X

This collision with Donte DiVincenzo happened midway through the fourth quarter when the Lakers were down just two points. Another video shared on social media platforms shows LeBron James limping as he leaves the Lakers’ facilities.

Fans believe LeBron James’ excuses return after another playoff exit

Some basketball fans watching this news unfold felt that the 40-year-old showed grit to play the rest of Game 5 despite suffering that injury. But many believe such injury news comes about every season after LeBron James exits the playoffs.

They believe he is a master of excuses after being unable to play at his best and struggling with fatigue. Fans think that if he cannot sustain the rigors of the playoffs, he should retire rather than place the Los Angeles Lakers in a tough spot. Check out examples of those reactions below.

The video of the collision and the limp, along with the official MRI report, are there for the world to see. After watching how opponents attacked him in this playoff series, his former rivals asked him to retire. He has asked for time to think over his future, while the Lakers figure out how they want to move forward.

Austin Reaves also carried an injury

LeBron James holds a player option for next season. Therefore, he has some power over how the Los Angeles Lakers play next season. Head coach JJ Redick has voiced the need for the team to get into championship shape. Who that was directed at is still a mystery, but now reports are coming out that there were other injuries as well.

Austin Reaves was also carrying an injury
Austin Reaves was also carrying an injury (Image via NBA/X)

Can confirm that Austin Reaves was dealing with a left big toe sprain during the Playoffs. Was considered to be a 2-4 week injury but he gutted it out. I’m told Reaves was not walking on it on off days to try to get through the playoffs.

Trevor Lane revealed

The LakersNation host added that when there is pain in the big toe, the general tendency is to curl the other toes. This impedes one’s walk, let alone run and jump in a basketball game. However, he reiterated that injuries are common at this stage of a season and specified that the Los Angeles Lakers were not using injuries to justify the 1st round exit.

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