LeBron James makes unfortunate injury announcement, decides not to attend major event
Context:
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers faced a disappointing end to their 2025 NBA playoff run, being eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, with rising star Anthony Edwards leading the charge. During the fifth and final game, James suffered a sprained MCL, adding injury to the insult of their playoff defeat. This injury prevented him from attending the Met Gala, an event he had planned to attend with his wife, Savannah, but he assured that she would represent them at the event. Despite the setback, James expressed his determination to recover and prepare for the next NBA season, aiming to return in top form. In the previous season, James demonstrated his continued prowess, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists over 70 games, with a notable 60.4% true shooting percentage.
Dive Deeper:
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the 2025 NBA playoffs in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, in a five-game series.
During Game 5 of the series, James suffered a sprained MCL, which not only added to the Lakers' woes but also impacted his ability to engage in other high-profile activities.
James had planned to attend the Met Gala with his wife, Savannah, but his knee injury forced him to announce publicly that he would not be able to join the event this year.
Despite missing the Met Gala, James expressed confidence that Savannah would uphold their presence at the renowned event, illustrating their strong partnership.
Looking forward, James is focused on recovering from his injury to return to the court and contribute to the Lakers' efforts in the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season.
In the past season, James maintained his status as an elite player by averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, along with a significant 60.4% true shooting percentage in 70 games.
Dean Simon, a contributing journalist for The Sporting News, reported on these developments, highlighting James' career achievements and ongoing resilience.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were bounced from the first round of the 2025 postseason at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves and rising superstar Anthony Edwards.
Los Angeles' five-game series defeat was a demoralizing hit to the franchise, and James would also leave the matchup with an awful souvenir. Injury was added onto the brutal insult of playoff elimination, as the 40-year-old suffered a sprained MCL during Game 5 against Minnesota on Wednesday night.
James' unlucky injury in the final game of his 22nd NBA season added to the Lakers' playoff woes, as the team would be defeated in disappointing fashion later that night.
Speaking of fashion, the Met Gala in New York City is an event that plays host to some of the world's most famous celebrities as they show off their individual taste's in clothing. This was an event James had planned on attending with his wife Savannah, but the future Hall of Fame inductee and 4-time NBA champion took to social media to tell of his decision to miss the annual gathering on Monday.
"Unfortunately because of my knee injury I sustained at the end of the season I won’t be able to attend the Met Gala in NY tonight as so many people have been asking and congratulating me on!" James shared Monday afternoon via Twitter/X.
"Hate to miss an historical event! My beautiful powerful Queen will be there holding the castle down as she always has done!"
Though James himself will continue to rest, he assured the world that Savannah would hold down the fort and represent the James family at the star-studded event.
Looking ahead, the legendary forward will aim to recover from his brutal injury and return to on-court activities soon to prepare for the 2025-26 season with Los Angeles.
In 70 appearances with the Lakers this past campaign, the 21-time All-Star averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists while sporting an impressive 60.4% true shooting percentage.