LeBron James Speaks Out After Lakers' Early Exit, Redirects Focus From Star Power to Team Failures in an Honest ReflectionLeBron James (Photo by Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers showcased an outstanding performance throughout the 2024-25 NBA regular season, clinching their playoff position with flair. However, their campaign took a disappointing turn when they faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Their efforts ultimately fell short, leading to an early exit from the postseason. Recently, their star player, LeBron James, addressed the team’s early exit from the playoffs.

In the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast, James ignited quite a debate with his candid insights regarding the Lakers’ disappointing playoff exit. He shifted attention from individual star performances to a broader team failure, offering a brutally honest assessment that resonated with listeners.

“It’s never just about me and Luka… it was always Minnesota vs. the Lakers… And I am at a point in my career now that I don’t lose sleep over that, like, ‘F–k, how did me and Luka lose?’ Well, there’s eight other guys on the floor,” James said.

James played in all five playoff games against the Timberwolves this season, averaging 25.4 points, nine rebounds, and 5.6 assists in the series.

LeBron James Opens Up About His Knee Injury

LeBron James, being an iconic legend with his unbreakable record in NBA historyLeBron James (Photo By Matt Blewett/Imagn Images)

James sustained an injury after colliding with Donte DiVincenzo during Game 5 of the first-round series against the Timberwolves. Later, an MRI conducted revealed that James has a Grade 2 medial collateral ligament sprain in his left knee. In a recent episode of the Mind The Game Podcast, he reflected on this injury.

“I knew as soon as the impact happened with me and DiVincenzo, I felt it right away. My knee locked up, and that’s why I kind of stayed on the ground for quite a minute to see if the knee will kind of release a little bit. But I knew right then and there was a pain that I hadn’t felt before,” James said.

James recorded an impressive average of 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds over the course of 70 games this NBA season.