The Lakers’ LeBron James had an MCL injury during the NBA playoffs. Austin Reaves was also apparently dealing with a secret injury.
The Los Angeles Lakers had a disappointing end to their season, crashing out in five games against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The first-round loss has produced a lot of narratives, but everything has an explanation.
LeBron James has received tons of criticism in the aftermath of the loss, Paul Pierce even claimed the team needs to move on from the James era.
Austin Reaves’ struggles were noticed by Robert Horry, and he wasn’t the only one. Everyone watching the games was wondering what happened to Reaves, who’s grown into LA’s third star.
While their performances deserve to be questioned, as do those from Luka Doncic and coach JJ Redick, there is a reason both James and Reaves struggled.
Photo by Harry How/Getty ImagesLeBron James picked up a Grade 2 MCL strain in Game 5
The King had terrible 4th quarters during the series, notably going scoreless in the Lakers’ Game 4 loss in Minnesota. James struggled in Game 5 too, getting just 22 points while shooting 43% from the field.
It seems that the 4-time champion picked up a fairly serious injury midgame though, as confirmed by Dan Woike of the LA Times.
“LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in Game 5, sources confirmed. Injury occurred when Donte DiVincenzo knocked knees with James,” Woike wrote.
LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in Game 5, sources confirmed. @mcten had it first. Injury occurred when Donte DiVincenzo knocked knees with James.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) May 2, 2025
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From what it looks like, if the Lakers had even won Game 5, it wouldn’t have mattered in terms of the outcome. The following Austin Reaves news just confirms it as well.
Austin Reaves was dealing with a left big toe sprain
Unlike LeBron being missing in moments, Reaves had a terrible series. James Worthy accused him of falling apart, claiming a player can’t do that when they represent the Lakers.
Reaves averaged 16.2 points per game in the playoffs, four less than his regular season average. Worthy’s criticism might be right if it weren’t for the report on Reaves’ own injury.
“Can confirm that Austin Reaves was dealing with a left big toe sprain during the Playoffs,” Trevor Lane reported.
“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.”
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 (@Trevor_Lane) May 2, 2025
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Players are always dealing with nagging injuries during the playoffs, but these ill-timed knocks seem to have cost the Lakers massively.