Well, the 40-year-old superstar sustained a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With 8:39 left in the fourth quarter, fate took a sharp turn. LeBron James suffered a knee injury after a collision with Minnesota’s Donte DiVincenzo, who was setting a moving screen. So, for now, Bron would be focusing on recovery and coming back in the next season. But will this comeback be with the Lakers?
LeBron James isn’t expected to offer the Lakers another financial favor next season. Despite taking a $2.7 million pay cut last year on his one-plus-one deal to help dodge the second apron, that window has likely closed. Meanwhile, Lakers insider Jovan Buha reported: “So, might James think about finishing his career elsewhere in pursuit of a fifth ring? When posed that question, both league sources close to James and team sources would not rule that possibility out. And that was before the revealing elimination game.” Another shift in the air? Another speculation, or something consolidated?
The crown may still shine, but the throne is shaking—and Rich Paul has sounded the alarm. With a fractured roster, tight cap, and LeBron’s uncertain future, Paul’s critique cuts deeper than any playoff loss. Whether the shift begins with Rob Pelinka or ends with James in another jersey, one thing is certain: the storm has only just begun.
