LeBron James confirms knee injury, benches himself for Met Gala

Field Level Media|published: Mon 5th May, 13:57 2025

NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers

Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James said he will be unable to attend Monday night's Met Gala due to a knee injury that he sustained last week.

James previously was announced as honorary chair for the iconic fashion event that serves as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

He also noted that his wife, Savannah, will be in attendance in New York City.

"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 posted on X. "Hate to miss an historical event! My beautiful powerful Queen will be there holding the castle down as she always has done!"

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! Hate to miss an historical event! My beautiful powerful Queen will be there holding the...
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 5, 2025

James' tweet confirmed a previous report that he sustained his injury in Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves ended the series in that game on Wednesday, courtesy of a 103-96 victory.

James was injured after Minnesota guard Donte DiVincenzo collided with his knee while setting a moving screen with 8:39 remaining in the fourth quarter. James immediately left the game and had his knee examined before returning to the contest with 7:23 to play.

James, 40, averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 70 games in 2024-25 to rank in the top 22 in each category.

His contract includes a $52.6 million player option for next season and ESPN reported Thursday that the Lakers expect him to play "at least another NBA season." It would be his eighth with the Lakers.

A 21-time All-Star, four-time league MVP and four-time NBA champion, James is the league's all-time leading scorer with 42,184 points.

--Field Level Media