The Lakers' defeat in Game 5 against the Timberwolves may have inadvertently saved them from an inevitable playoff exit. LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain, while Austin Reaves battled a significant big toe injury. These factors contributed to their lackluster performance, as Reaves averaged only 16.2 points during the series compared to over 20 points in the regular season. The injuries raised questions about transparency, as revealing them after elimination might seem like an excuse, but there was little chance for success given their condition.
Can confirm that Austin Reaves was dealing with a left big toe sprain during the Playoffs. Was considered to be a 2-4 week injury but he gutted it out.
LeBron's injury would have ruled him out entirely while Luka Dončić was clearly hampered by a back injury that was aggravated during the first half of the game.
Collection
[
|
...
]