NBA superstar LeBron James is expected to return for the 2025-26 season, but it may not be with the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James suffered a left knee injury after colliding with the Minnesota Timberwolves' Donte Dincenzo during the Los Angeles Lakers' season-ending Game 5 loss on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The injury is a Grade 2 MCL sprain with an anticipated recovery time of between three and five weeks, per McMenamin.

The Lakers' lack of a true center was exploited throughout the series, particularly in Wednesday's matchup. Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, who had not scored more than six points or secured more than 10 rebounds prior to Game 5, dominated with 27 points and 24 boards to send Minnesota to the next round.