“As soon as the impact happened, my knee locked up, and that’s why I stayed on the ground for quite a minute to see if the knee would release a little bit. But I knew right then and there it was pain that I hadn’t felt before. When I was running back to close out, and he collided into me, my knee bent inward,” James recounted after the game.
The collision occurred midway through the third quarter, as James attempted to rotate on defense and contest a shot at the perimeter. The unexpected contact caused his knee to twist awkwardly, sending a wave of concern through the crowd as the four-time NBA champion remained down on the court.
Trainers immediately rushed to his side, and after a tense few moments, LeBron was able to stand and gingerly walk to the bench under his own power. Though he returned to the game later, his movement appeared limited, and he favored the injured leg during key possessions.
“Once I got back up, I just tried to push through it,” James said. “At this stage in the season, you don’t want to sit out unless it’s completely unmanageable. But I’m not going to lie — it was tough. Every step, every cut, I felt it.”
Despite the injury, LeBron finished the game with 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in a losing effort that now puts his team on the brink of elimination.
When asked about his status for Game 6, James remained cautious but hopeful.
“I’ll do everything I can over the next 48 hours — treatment, rest, whatever it takes,” he said. “If I can be out there, I will be. That’s always been my mindset.”
The Lakers organization has yet to release an official diagnosis, pending further evaluation and imaging. But with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the health of their leader looms large.
For now, fans and teammates alike are holding their breath, hoping the King will be ready to return and lead one more charge.
